Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal,: In a strong show of solidarity and commitment to peace, more than 100 Ex-Servicemen of Manipur, led by Lt Gen K.Himalay Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Lt Gen L.Nishikanta Singh, VSM (Retd) and Brig L.Ibotombi Singh, YSM (Retd), donated blood at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) today for victims of the violence in the State and appealed for peace.
The voluntary blood donation camp was conducted at RIMS, Lamphelpat and was organized with the active support of the Medical Superintendent, RIMS, Armed Forces Ex-servicemen Association of Manipur (AFESAM) and Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), Manipur. Among the notable blood donors were Col SK Sapam (Retd) and Sub Maj Chanambam Vekko Meitei (Retd), the senior most veteran.
Speaking at the event, Lt Gen K. Himalay Singh stated that veterans of the State stand united against hatred and violence. “We have served the nation together, irrespective of community or creed. Today, we stand together again to heal, not to hurt. Our blood does not differentiate people, and neither should we,” he said.
The veterans used the occasion to appeal for peace and normalcy in Manipur. They condemned all killings in the state, including the recent killing of uniformed personnel and other acts of violence affecting civilians across the State.
Brig L.Ibotombi Singh further announced that the veteran community will also organise a candlelight appeal and contribute one day’s pension towards the next of kin of Havildar Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (Retd) and the victims of the Tronglaobi incident. These events will be carried out in the coming days as a mark of respect and support to the bereaved families.
The blood donation drive witnessed overwhelming participation from veterans of all ranks, communities and districts of Manipur, reflecting the ethos of the Defence Forces “Service Before Self.”
