Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: The Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Association of Manipur (AFESAM) and their families held a candlelight appeal for peace in Manipur in front of Kangla Gate, Imphal. Inclement weather and heavy downpour did not deter the spirit of the veterans and their families.
More than 150 Ex-Servicemen of Manipur, along with their families and Veer Naris, participated in the event under the stewardship of Lt Gen K. Himalay Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) and Brig L. Ibotombi Singh, YSM (Retd).
The event commenced with the lighting of candles by all participants from 6 pm onwards in front of Kangla Gate. It followed a voluntary blood donation camp held at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Lamphelpat on 25 April with the theme “Blood Unites People.”
Speaking at the event, Lt Gen K. Himalay Singh, on behalf of the veterans, appealed to the people of Manipur to shun all forms of violence, including physical attacks, arson, and inflammatory rhetoric, and to cooperate with security forces to ensure peace. “I request all citizens of Manipur to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further loss of life and property, to protect the integrity and oneness of Manipur, respecting all castes, communities, religions, and languages,” he said.
The veterans condemned all killings in the state, including the recent killing of a retired uniformed person in Ukhrul and the killing of two children, including a six-month-old toddler, while asleep in the middle of the night in Tronglaobi village. The father of the children, a head constable in the BSF, was away on active duty in Bihar. They also condemned other acts of violence affecting civilians across the State.
In a show of strong solidarity, members of AFESAM have contributed one day’s pension towards the next of kin of Havildar Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (Retd) and the victims of the Tronglaobi incident.
Brig L. Ibotombi Singh urged all Security Forces, including the State Police, to adopt a multifaceted approach that balances firm law enforcement with community-centric trust building and to create a conducive atmosphere for political dialogue.
During the candlelight prayer-cum-appeal, the ex-servicemen fraternity passed a seven-point resolution committing to work towards a future defined by peace, justice, and non-violent coexistence in Manipur.
The event culminated with a pledge by all participants for unwavering support to any initiative that fosters mutual trust and peaceful coexistence, ensuring that Manipur remains a symbol of unity and prosperity for all its citizens. “We advocate common, equitable social justice for all people of Manipur and resolve to protect the integrity and oneness of Manipur, respecting all castes, communities, religions, and languages,” the pledge stated.
