Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has written a heartfelt letter to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing his deep concern and anguish over the “unspeakable torture” inflicted upon women in violence-hit Manipur. In the letter, Mr. Soren urged the President to take decisive steps to ensure peace and put an end to the ongoing spate of violence in the northeastern state.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Chief Minister Soren pointed out that Manipur has been engulfed in turmoil for over two months, with heart-wrenching videos of violence emerging, and a distressing breakdown of democratic governance prevailing in the region. He further accused the Union government of attempting to silence the issue and muzzle the media’s voice in relation to the crisis.
The ethnic clashes in Manipur, which began on May 3, have resulted in a tragic loss of hundreds of innocent lives, along with the destruction of property, public infrastructure, and widespread suffering, including unspeakable torture and sexual exploitation of women. The recent shocking video depicting acts of barbarism against women deeply disturbed Chief Minister Soren and ignited a sense of urgency in seeking solutions to this dire situation.
Mr. Soren stressed that India, as the world’s most diverse democracy, should never allow such a breakdown of peace, unity, justice, and democratic governance to persist. He cited media reports stating that over 40,000 people, including children, have been displaced in Manipur and are residing in makeshift camps, illustrating the immense scale of the humanitarian crisis.
In his letter, Chief Minister Soren appealed to the President to ensure justice for the people of Manipur and restore peace and stability to the region. He emphasized that Manipur’s peace is not only vital for the state and its inhabitants but also for the overall well-being of the entire nation. Manipur, known for its vibrant culture and peaceful coexistence, has contributed greatly to the nation, with numerous sports personalities bringing laurels and pride to India.
Chief Minister Soren called for unity amidst diversity, emphasizing that it is the collective responsibility of all to work together in restoring calm and fostering an environment of peace amidst the hostility. He acknowledged President Murmu’s steadfast commitment to upholding principles of justice and compassion, and urged her to find a way forward to ensure justice is served and peace is restored in Manipur.