A Cry for Peace from the Hearts of Manipur
An evening when even the skies wept, poured out its heart for peace in Imphal! But the irony is the skies weren’t alone, over 150 ex-servicemen of Manipur, their families, and Veer Naris stood silently under the downpour at Kangla Gate, holding candles for peace.
A moral stand taken by the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Association of Manipur (AFESAM). They are the ones who have given their lives for the nation and have seen the war in its most brutal form. These are the families who have survived throughout their lives sacrificing, they understand the importance of peace.
The event was led under the stewardship of Lt Gen K. Himalay Singh (Retd) and Brig L. Ibotombi Singh (Retd), both respected figures among the veteran community.
A similar effort was made on April 25 where the idea of unity was enforced through a voluntary blood donation camp at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Lamphelpat.
The light carried by each candle narrated a story…
Of a retired soldier who was attacked in Ukhrul by militants.
Of a six-month-old child, who was brutally made to sleep forever, never got to see the sunrise in Tronglaobi.
And of families who are still waiting for the footsteps that are gone forever.
And somewhere the candles lit the question in silence:
Is the violence worth it? Is there no space for unity and peace?
The evening didn’t burn the wax and wick, it ignited the spirits of hope, og past grief, memory and the idea of peace.
Imagine the strongest warriors came together not for a battle but to stand in unity for peace.
Enough is enough!
Lt Gen K. Himalay Singh (Retd) called out for peace not just as a veteran, but as a son of the soil.
He advised people to move away from violence, hate and provocative words that lead to violence.
These weren’t just words, the members of AFESAMproved their intent through action, they took a initiative to give away one day’s pension.
They stood in solidarity and times of pain.
They stood every individual, for the innocent lives lost and even for the ones who are fighting the silent battle within.
Well, this move surely moved many!
Brig L. Ibotombi Singh (Retd) spoke of balance and highlighted that security forces shouldn’t just focus on enforcing law but also to rebuild trust. And also a quick reminder that peace is imposed through understanding and through fear.
Seven promises. One hope.
As the candles stood strong against the rain, a resolution was passed, a seven-point promise
- End violence now and not tomorrow.
- Reject hate in all forms
- Build trust between people and forces
- Begin dialogue as necessity
- Bring home the ones who are displaced with dignity
- Ensure fair justice
- Revive broken lives
The Final Pledge
As the evening came to an end, people rose together in unity with a mindset to stand by peace, protect coexistence and ensure that remains a symbol of unity.
The path that Manipur will choose will now demand restraint, dialogue, empathy and courage for a better tomorrow.
Now comes the question for the people of Manipur!
The veterans made an effort, they did what they could.
They stood by you!
Will you choose the burning path or the path of peace and healing?
-Jai Hind!