Yoga enthusiasts in conflict ridden Manipur have decided to skip the celebrations on June 21 marking the International Yoga Day.
Yoga practitioners staged a sit-in demonstration at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen in Imphal West under the banner of the All Manipur Yoga Fraternity Union, demanding for restoration of peace and normalcy at the earliest.
Th. Rajen, vice president of Bharat Swabhiman Trust said,”on the event of International Yoga Day, we will not celebrate but we have decided to congregate at a certain location and express solidarity to those who have lost their lives in the violence, those who are injured as well as everyone who are undergoing this tough time.”
Rajen said that the government’s crackdown on poppy cultivation and encroachment in reserved forest areas led to turmoil which still continues to prevail despite over a month passing since trouble began on May 3.
The civil society leader alleged that Nos 4 heroine obtained from poppy cultivation was made prevalent among the youths, which according to him is an attempt to degenerate the younger generation.
Rajen further appreciated Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s leadership for taking strong action against such elements.
The review meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.
In total, around 1,200-1,400 houses primarily belonging to Bengali-speaking Muslims, were demolished during the eviction…