Assam Times: Citizen Forum appeals for peace

Citizen Forum appeals for peace
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Ranjan K  Baruah on 03 July, 2009
 
People hailing from different communities of North Cachar Hills have come
together and appealed for peace on 2nd July in Guwahati. There was a meeting
convened which was attended by individuals from different communities at North
East Diocesan Social Forum (NEDSF). The meeting was convened by Diphu Citizen
Peace Forum based in Diphu in Karbi Anglong District. The appeal for peace which
has been signed by Fr Tom Mangattuthazhe on behalf of DCPF and other individuals
has been published below for the readers of Assam Times:
Joint Appeal for Peace by DCPF
We, the persons hailing from different communities of North Cachar Hills such as
Dimasas. Zemi Nagas, Hmars, Kukis, Adivasis, Assamese, Bengalees etc. coming
together today, on 2nd July at Guwahati make this statement in a form of an
appeal to all.
We, as persons living in peaceful co-existence for decades have been affected by
the recent spurt of violence. It has brought massive loss of precious lives and
properties and displacement of thousands of people.
We, realize that, time and again while we are in conflict, all our basic needs;
right to life, right to livelihood, right to education, right to liberty &
security, right to freedom of movement and our right to social, economic and
political as well as our right to peaceful co-existence have been snatched away.
We are forced to live in fear, insecurity and uncertainty. And to rebuild the
confidence that we had takes many years. We, therefore appeal to all:
*We acknowledge that the common people’s need is peace and we are committed to
peace building in the district and we want peace to return to our district at
the earliest. 	*We, feel and understand pain, hurt and suffering that our people
are going through. 	*We accept the realities and the differences we have among
and within us, and yet we commit ourselves towards creating more democratic
space for each other. 	*We urge the state and non state actors of our country
and who are causing these conflicts, to refrain from continuing such acts and we
appeal your cooperation towards bringing peace and harmony. 	*We urge the
respective authorities concerned to look into the welfare of the Internally
Displaced Peoples/Persons (IDPs) for their rehabilitation and resettlement
according to the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, granting
ex-gratia to the next of kin of those killed and injured and to protect and
safeguard the rights of the IDPs concern.
We request the government of India to set up a judicial enquiry into recent
violence.