Thousands defy curfew, join torch rally
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 06 2023: People numbering in thou-sands took to the streets in dif-ferent parts of the valley districts on Tuesday evening for the torch rally organised under the aegis of Coordinating Committee on Ma-nipur Integrity (COCOMI) to save the territorial integrity of Manipur.

In-spite of imposition of cur-few after 5 pm, people formed human chains and held flaming Meira (torches) in their hands in their respective localities across the valley districts.

The partici-pants also raised slogans like "The territorial Integrity of Manipur cannot be destroyed", "Abrogate SoO agreement signed between the armed Kuki militants, the Manipur government and the Indian gov-ernment" and "Remove Assam Rifles from Manipur".

From 8pm to 9pm, protestors, mainly womenfolk came out to the streets along NH-2 starting from Lilong bridge to Singjamei, and formed human chains.

Thousands defy curfew, join torch rally

The Kabui community settling in Keishamthong and Langthabal also took part in the torch rally by forming human chains and shout-ed slogans to save Manipur from disintegration.

Peace and Integrity, Kyamgei convenor Chingakham Meghachandra while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the torch rally said that the statement made by Union Home minister Amit Shah attributing the current communal violence in the state to the ruling of Manipur High Court despite knowing the fact that it is a war waged by armed Kuki militants against the Meitei community, is very unfortunate.

At Wakching Khullen in Imphal West district and Langpok under Nambol AC in Bishnupur district, large numbers of Meira Paibi activists formed human chain as part of the torch rally organised under the aegis of COCOMI on Tuesday evening.

During the rally, people shouted slogans demanding withdrawal of SoO, removal of Assam Rifles, NRC implementation and protection of territorial integrity of Manipur.

According to our ICakching.

cor-respondent, the torch rally was carried out at Kakching, Keirak, Wabagai, Hiyanglam, Sekmai-jin, Lamjao, Tezpur, Laimanai, Langmeidong, Thounaojam Yangdong, Elangkhangpokpi, Thongjao, Waikhong, Kakch-ing Khunou, Wangjing Khunou, Pangaltabi, Konsatabi, Chajing Khunou, Tangjeng, Khongyam, Nugnoo Chairel, Sadankhong, Wangoo, Tokpaching, Sarik, Arong, Laphupat Tera and others.

In Imphal West district, Meira Paibi organisations formed hu-man chain while holding sym-bolic torch from Keishampat to Kodompokpi Lamkhai along liddim Road, Keishampat to Sekmaijin along Mayai Lambi Road, Wahengbam Leikai to Moidangpok along Imphal-Jiri Road, Uripok to Phayeng along UK Road, Nagamapal to Ching-meirong along Thangmeiband Road, and Yaiskul to Lilong Bridge along Impha- Moreh road.

In Imphal East district, hu-man chains were formed from Wangkhei Angom Leikai to Top Khunou, Lamlong to Takhel along Tinsid Road, and Lam-long to Yaingangpokpi along Imphal-Ukhrul Road.

Similar-ly, all Meetei villages in Bish-nupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts also joined the protest by forming human chain with torches in hands responding to the call of COCOMI demanding replacement of Assam Rifles with other central security forces, appropriate action against Kuki narco-terrorist groups and Kuki militants.