Ongoing violence in Manipur a major public health problem 

Ludhiana, August 18, 2023: The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) issued statement on the situation in Manipur that we, the doctors associated with Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), strongly condemn in unequivocal terms the unabated violence in Manipur for the last over three months. In a statement Dr Arun Mitra- President, Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman- General Secretary, Dr Moirangthem Nara Singh - President IDPD Manipur Chapter said that   in situations of conflict, women and children are always the worst affected.  In this spree of violence, many people have lost their lives and livelihood; houses have been burnt/destroyed, thousands of people have been displaced and forced to live in refugee camps. The incidents which started from the 3rd of May 2023 continue unabated till date. This has taken toll on both physical and mental health of the people which will have long standing impact on their lives.  

   
They said these happenings are mainly due to the glaring failure of both the central and state governments. The central government was silent for more than two and half months till a viral video came out in social media wherein it was brought to light the heinous atrocities committed. The central government should come out with a full factual report on the on-going Manipur violence and proposed approaches to find a peaceful and lasting solution.  
 

Further, they said “we strongly condemn all forms of violence, including armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and human rights abuses in the region. We also call upon the central & state governments to facilitate a meaningful dialogue aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict involving the all parties involved. We demand that the government of Manipur shall take such suitable steps towards ensuring accountability in a transparent manner for the innumerable and horrible human rights violations and promoting justice and reconciliation”.  
 

Adding, they said, “We emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or religious background. We call for surrendering of arms held by civilians and at the same time demand that the military and state police should not be partial. Encourage the establishment of community-based conflict resolution mechanisms to address local grievances and disputes. Advocate for the protection of women, children, and vulnerable populations, ensuring their safety and access to essential services.”
 

They further said promote education and awareness programs that foster tolerance, respect for diversity, and understanding among communities in Manipur.  
 

Adding, they said support initiatives for economic development and job creation in the region to address underlying socio-economic issues. Advocate for the involvement of civil society organisations and local community leaders in the peace-building and reconciliation process. Promote sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts to address natural resource related conflicts in the region.  
 

They said Indian Doctors for Peace and Development firmly believes that violence of any kind has no place in any civilized society anywhere in the world. In 1996 World Health Organization (WHO) Resolution at World Health Assembly (WHA), has declared violence a major and growing public health problem across the world. The Resolution talks of Sexual Violence and Collective Violence among the several other forms of violence that have damaging consequences for health. in terms of deaths (mortality) and physical illnesses, disabilities and mental anguish (morbidities); on healthcare services and health infrastructure; on access to basic services such as nutrition, water, shelter, sanitation and transportation. 
 

Concluding, they said it is high time that above mentioned steps are taken to safeguard health of the people, ensure peaceful life and promote development in the region.