By Dr. Syed Ahmed, TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: On May 3, 2013, the Muslims in Manipur offered prayers for those Muslims killed in the communal riot that took place in the valley of Manipur on May 3, 1993.
The prayer meetings were organized by All Manipur Muslim Students’ Organization (AMMSO), All Manipur Muslim Girl Students’ Organization (AMMGSO) and Pangal (Manipur Muslim) Political Forum (PPF) in various parts of Imphal. Quran Khawani was organized in many masjids after the Friday prayers for the deceased Muslims.
One such prayer meeting was organized by AMMSO at Hafiz Hatta Masjid at Imphal as Sahidee Memorial Day. The gathering prayed for those Muslims killed in the communal riot and students’ leader Md. Hanif Shah, who was killed in November 17, 2007. Hanif Shah served as the President of AMMSO.
AMMGSO and PPF also held prayer meeting for those Muslims killed in 1993 riot. The bodies distributed sweets in many masjids.
Speaking to media-persons at the Babupara masjid at Imphal, Sitara Begum of PPF said that it was on this day in 1993 that the unfortunate event took place which claimed the lives of many innocent Muslims. We had prayed to the Almighty to shower blessings to them. We also pray that such ill-fated incidents do not happen again in the future, and develop understanding, tolerance, love and peace among the different sections of the Manipuri society, she added. Later financial assistance was given to the poor and aged Muslims.
The communal riot that took place between the Muslims and Meities on May 3, 1993 claimed the lives of around 100 Muslims, including women and children, and 4 Meities.