A group of concerned people from the New York metro area is holding a prayer vigil in front of the United Nations on August 5 in solidarity with the victims of violence in the riot-ridden north eastern state of Manipur in India. The organizers hope and desire that all interested people from different levels, languages ​​and religions participate in it.
The barbaric, shocking and unbelievable incidents taking place in Manipur since the 3rd of May are continuing even today unabated. An incident that shocked the whole world is where two women were stripped naked, made them walk in public and sexually groped and assaulted.Those who tried to save them were beaten, and kicked until they had their last breath. Many priests are being attacked and killed. Gang-rape, beheading, burning of body parts, torching of Christian places of worship and burning of houses have been happening continuously for the last two and a half months, but the Manipur-Central government has not been able to find a solution. One of the organizers Niang Hangzo of the 'North American Manipuri Tribal Association' said that the real facts are not coming in the Indian media or to the attention of other world media.
Eight women were gang-raped in front of their loved ones and those who tried to stop them were brutally killed and many other such incidents have not been noticed by the media. The state leadership has shown a tendency to take legal action against the whistleblowers. The general argument that what we see today is the result of conflict between the Maitei-Kuki tribals obscures the real facts.
More than fifty thousand people including orphans, bereaved, injured and homeless are living in temporary relief camps. The ruling BJP government with Hindutva fundamentalist ideology of the Sangh Parivar has not been able to control slow down the rampage of thugs and mobs in the state. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues his world tours as neglecting and ignoring what is happening in his country.
While the Prime Minister flies to America and other developed countries and makes India proud, there is not even a hint in the media that things are happening in the country like in a primitive society. The efforts to conduct prayer vigil is not to make India look bad; rather, it is to peacefully pressure the Government of India to take necessary steps to end further harm and to the helpless people and to restore peace and seek the help of Almighty.
Behind this organization is the initiative of a group of people who are concerned about the plight of their brethren in Manipur. Low-cost buses will transport attendees from Long Island and Queens.
Organizers hope that like-minded people and supporters will participate in this peace initiative. The event is expected to begin at 11:00 am on August 5 near the United Nations building. It will end at 2 pm. For information Dr. Anna George (646.732.6143), Mary Philip (347.254.9834), Paul Panakal(718.481.3547), Koshy George (718.314.8171), George Abraham (718.544.4137).
