Version imprimableWe, the women groups and organizations from various states of Northeast India are greatly concerned about the violence that erupted in Manipur on 3rd May & 4th May 2023, which has led to huge loss of lives, properties and has led to the displacement of thousands of Indigenous peoples. We strongly condemn the violence and pay our condolences for the many lives lost. We appeal to all parties to immediately stop the violence, lay down arms and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve all differences.
We are reminded that Northeast India is a place of immense diversity, that is home to 45 million people, belonging to over 400 Indigenous communities, speaking over 400 different dialects. We have been living together for centuries, practicing different cultures, faiths, including Indigenous religious traditions, and ways of life.
We are aware that the root cause of the various ongoing conflicts in Manipur and our entire region is due to centuries of colonization, marginalization, neglect, discrimination, lack of good governance, militarization, weaponization and misuse of the region as a route for transnational organized crimes, which includes guns, drugs and human trafficking. We are also aware that the history of the region is not studied or included in the education curriculum leading to huge gaps in understanding amongst different Indigenous communities.
We are convinced that the only way to address this conflict is through a process of truth telling, learning each other
