The Extra-Judicial Execution Victims’ Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM) on Wednesday shed light on the multifaceted impact of the ongoing violence and urged the government to devise a way to resolve the prolonged violence in Manipur.
In a stirring address resonating with hardship at Manipur Press Club in Imphal, EEVFAM secretary Edina Yaikhom delved into the intricate layers of victimhood among members of EEVFAM, amid the protracted violence plaguing the region since May 3, 2023. Beyond the staggering toll of over 200 lives lost, she brought to the forefront the often-overlooked phenomenon of double and triple-time victimisation, revealing the interconnected web of suffering that transcends ethnic and social boundaries.
These individuals, she noted, are not confined to the confines of a singular identity or community affiliation, but have all been the victims of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
“Please note that we are speaking from the real-life perspective of those who have lost our near and dear ones. As widows, we have struggled for our survival and dignity. This includes the immense hardships faced by us while trying to raise our own children,” said the secretary.
In a plea for recognition and solidarity, Edina reaffirmed EEVFAM’s unwavering commitment to justice and reconciliation, irrespective of communal affiliations.
She rejected calls for the re-imposition of AFSPA in specific areas where it has been lifted in the last few years.
Instead, she urged the Union and State governments to heed the voices of the marginalised and devise comprehensive strategies in which all forms of violence ridden conflict can be resolved.
“Our people have suffered enough under the shadow of guns. Enough is enough, we do not need any form of violence,” she added.
