SHILLONG: Three Manipuri associations in Shillong held a candlelight vigil to express solidarity with the families of victims of a recent tragedy, with the general secretary of Shillong Manipuri Students’ Union, Lamyanba, urging communities to remain calm and choose peace over conflict.
Speaking at the event on Sunday, Lamyanba said, “On behalf of the Shillong Manipuri Students’ Union, Meghalaya Manipuri Welfare Society and Manipuri Women’s Association, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. No words can ease their pain, but we want them to know that they are not alone in this moment of sorrow and we stand with them in solidarity.”
Lamyanba emphasised that the gathering was not about politics, but about humanity and honouring the lives lost.
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“Our gathering today is not about politics, it is about humanity, it is about honouring the lives that we have lost and sending a message that such tragedy should never happen again,” he said.
The associations expressed shock and sadness over the loss of innocent lives, including two children, and urged the government to restore peace in the state.
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“We urge all communities to remain calm, to stand together and to choose peace over conflict. Let this moment be a reminder that every life is precious and every life matters,” Lamyanba said.
“We want to say that peace be restored and not to choose violence as every life matters and violence will never be the answer. I urge the government to restore peace as soon as possible in the state,” he added.