Police foil climate action protest of women vendors
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 09 2023:
Police on Saturday foiled a climate action protest launched by women vendors of Ima Keithel.
The protest was organised under the aegis of Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee at Ima Keithel in relation with the COP 28 climate conference being held in Dubai, UAE.
Earlier, before police dispersed the protestors, Committee convenor Y Ibeyaima told media persons that illegal poppy plantations in the state by clearing reserved and protected forest areas by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists is contributing to the global climate change.
As a result, the state has been witnessing drastic change in its climatic condition and weather pattern thereby affecting all spheres of life.
The hills of Manipur, which were once dense forest, are bearing bald looks.
Erratic rainfall and extreme weathers are becoming common phenomena in the state.
The situation requires immediate and effective intervention from the government, she said, while demanding stern action against illegal poppy plantation.
Committee convenor L Memma also raised strong concern over the illegal poppy cultivation, stating that it not only affects the climate but is also detrimental to soil as well as physical well-being of the people.
The climate action protest was organised to register protest against such illegal activities and to press the government for taking up effective measures to prevent such activities, she added.
As the protestors gathered at Khwairamband Ima Keithel and began the protest, police dispersed them.