Meira Paibis stage protests against Assam Rifles
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 07 2023: Meira Paibi, a collective of Meitei women, on Monday staged protests against Assam Rifles in the Imphal Valley by enforcing people's curfew.

They staged sit-in demonstrations in various localities blocking roads, demanding the removal of Assam Rifles from violence-hit areas and accusing the paramilitary force of "brutality during recent agitations" .

Meira Paibi groups of different localities organised sit-in protests against the use of excessive forces against Meira Paibi members in Bishnupur district on August 3.Protestors were seen in different areas of all the valley districts where slogans against excessive force used against Meira Paibis at Torbung on August 3 and demanding removal of Assam Rifles, implementation of NRC and abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants.

Effigies of Assam Rifles were also burned in different localities.

Meira Paibi, which literally means 'women torch bearers', took the decision to conduct the stir during a convention held in Malom Tulihal area in Imphal West district on Sunday.

In Hodam Leirak area in Imphal West district, dozens of women came out on the streets and blocked one lane of the Tiddim Road which leads to Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.

They also staged sit-in demonstrations in Kwakeithel, Uripok and Singjamei areas in Imphal West district and Angom Leikai and Khurai areas in Imphal East district.

Similar protests were also held in Thoubal and Bishnupur districts.

L Mema, a protester at Hodam Leirak, told reporters, "Our protest was necessitated by the continuous brutal crackdown by the Assam Rifles on the public, including women.

Evidence has come to light that Assam Rifles is biased and is targeting the Meiteis instead of discharging their duties responsibly and sincerely''.

Women vendors of the three Khwairamband Keithel protested at Ima Keithel under the banner 'Stop Using Indian Security Forces against Meitei' and shouted slogans 'Withdraw Assam Rifles from Manipur' and 'We condemn atrocities of Assam Rifles'.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Lukmai Senlup general secretary Asem Nirmala reasoned the protest is being launched condemning the atrocities of Assam Rifles and for their discriminatory act instead of maintaining neutrality.

She strongly denounced the cruelty and atrocities committed by Assam Rifles against the women protestors objecting the burial of Kukis at Torbung Bangla on August 3 .

Assam Rifles should be removed from Manipur, she demanded, while adding that Manipuri womenfolk will continue to launch protests.

All the consequences should be borne by state and central government, she cautioned.

Asserting that Meetei women will never fall at someone's feet for their safety during the protest and for freedom, she said that Meetei women will rise again even if they were kicked down.

Sit-in protests were also staged at Thangmeiband, Uripok, Langol Type 3 Leimakhulen, Uchiwa, Maharabi, Tendongyan, Meitei Langol, Singjamei Chingamakha, Ningthoujam Leikai, Singjamei Okram Leikai, Soibam Leikai, Patsoi, Langjing Achouba, Tera Yengkhom Leirak, Lukram Leirak, Singjamei Chingamakhong, Khagempalli, Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Malom, Changangei Makha Leikai and Langthabal.

Meanwhile, people's curfew on Assam Rifles was also enforced at Keishamthong,, Yaiskul, Moirangkhom, Singjamei and Sagolband among others.

( with inputs from PTI) .

Comment