Indian Australians held a massive solidarity demonstration at the NEW SOUTH WALES parliament in Sydney to protest against the ongoing violence and genocide in Manipur, India. The protesters expressed their concerns about the atrocities faced by the Kuki Zo minorities in Manipur.
The demonstration also raised questions about the role of the RSS – BJP in supporting and protecting the rioters involved in the Manipur riots. Participants sought accountability and transparency regarding the real reasons behind the violence and questioned whether it constituted a structured genocide against Christians in the region.
In collaboration with Greens MLC Abigail Boyd, an interfaith parliamentary event was organised to stand in solidarity with the victims of atrocities and sexual violence in Manipur. The event aimed to foster unity and understanding among people from different faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life. It included moments of shared reflection, prayers, and speeches from renowned figures across communities. A symbolic candlelight vigil was also held to amplify the voices of the victims and inspire collective action against such acts.
“Join me in NSW Parliament on Thursday as we raise our voices against the horrific sexual violence in Manipur, India. We must demand justice and dignity for women from the minority, Dalit and indigenous communities,” urged Abigail Boyd on her Facebook on 30th June.
The event organisers urged the public to join hands and stand against violations of human rights in Manipur. They emphasised the importance of raising awareness, fostering solidarity, and making a strong statement against such atrocities. The ongoing crisis in Manipur has seen hundreds killed and thousands displaced. Shockingly, 249 Christian churches have been destroyed amid the violence.
In the heartfelt event held in Sydney, Australia, Ms. Mary Mizo, a Kuki woman hailing from Manipur, emotionally shared her personal experiences of being affected by the distressing circumstances that forced her mother and sister to flee their home, which was subsequently seized.
Ms. Mary Mizo said, “I stand before you today, not just as a representative of the Kuki Zo people, but as a voice of the voiceless, and a beacon of hope for the hopeless. I speak to you with a heavy heart, burdened by the weight of the horrors that my people, the Kuki Zo tribe have been subjected to in Manipur.”
Joining the event were distinguished speakers, including Durga Owen, a Sydney Law lecturer and former Tamil refugee, as well as Senator Lee Rhiannon.
Lawyer Durga thanked the gathering stating, “This is not a flashy, popular campaign in the media. It’s not something that… we are even as the diaspora are allowed to speak about openly on social media. We are condemned if we speak about the rights of Dalits and minorities, and indigenous people in India. We are told India is the largest democracy.”
The gathering passionately advocated for a ban on funding to organisations associated with VHP (Vishva Hindu Parishad) and RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). The protest organisers encouraged people to watch related videos on Manipur violence, Save Manipur, and Manipur protests to raise global awareness. Interested individuals were also invited to join the Save Manipur Global WhatsApp Group to stay informed and contribute to the cause.
The event was telecasted live on Tamil America TV on YouTube.
