Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: On the second anniversary of the May 3 ethnic violence that left a deep scar on the state of Manipur, citizens, civil society members, and leaders from diverse communities gathered in Imphal to reflect on the past and push for a peaceful, united future. The theme of this year’s commemoration was “Building Bridges for a Shared Future.”
Speakers at the event emphasized that the tragic events of May 3, 2023, were not a reflection of the common people, but rather the outcome of divisive politics and the vested interests of a few individuals. “These self-serving actors do not represent the spirit of our communities,” one speaker remarked. “What happened was not a spontaneous eruption of hatred, but a calculated act that tore through the harmony we had built over generations.”
Manipur has long been a tapestry of diverse communities including Meiteis, Kukis, Nagas, Pangals, and others who have coexisted for centuries, sharing markets, festivals, and daily lives. The message echoed throughout the gathering was clear: this shared legacy cannot be erased by temporary violence or political manipulation.
Attendees solemnly remembered the lives lost, homes destroyed, and families displaced during the violent episodes of 2023. But amid the pain, speakers highlighted the quiet resilience of ordinary citizens such as farmers, mothers, students, and laborers who chose peace over conflict.
“They are the real heroes of Manipur,” a civil society representative said. “They resisted hatred and upheld the values of coexistence and dignity.”
The event also called for accountability and justice. Organizers demanded that those who instigated the violence be brought to justice not as an act of revenge but as a necessary step toward healing and rebuilding trust.
More crucially, the gathering focused on dialogue and reconciliation as the way forward. “We must speak face to face, not through barricades and bullets,” said one speaker. “The future of Manipur depends on whether we can talk with open hearts not just in offices or institutions but among neighbors, youth, and community groups.”
Speakers reiterated the need to reject all forms of extremism and to preserve the territorial and emotional integrity of Manipur. “The choice is stark. Either we destroy each other or build a future where coexistence thrives. Peace is non-negotiable.”
The ceremony closed with a solemn tribute to the victims of the violence and a renewed commitment to unity. The message was powerful: the bridges built today will shape the Manipur of tomorrow.
