Bandh Day 2: Wangjing womenfolk demand CM Biren's resignation
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, January 21 2024: Womenfolk of Wangjing have raised a call demanding resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on the second day of statewide Manipur bandh called by the JAC against the brutal killing of Takhellambam Manoranjan Singh.

In support of the bandh, a large number of volunteers and meira paibis of the Wangjing New Market Women Welfare Association blocked the National Highway 102 (Imphal-Moreh road) in the vicinity of Wangjing Heirok Lamkhai New Market early this morning onwards.

It is worth noting that the 48-hour bandh was called by the JAC against the brutal killing of Takhellambam Manoranjan Singh following the State Government's lack of response to the JAC's demands listed in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister on January 18 .

Bandh Day 2: Wangjing womenfolk demand CM Biren's resignation

Notably, Takhellambam Manoranjan who hails from Thiyam Konjil, Imphal East was killed by Kuki militants in the wee hours of January 18, 2024 .

At the blockade staged by the meira paibis, medical emergencies, religious ceremonies and essential services were exempted.

But the meira paibis prohibited the movement of other commuters.

Speaking in this connection, Saikhom Usharani, member, Wangjing New Market Women Welfare Association stated that due to the violence which erupted in the State on May 3, many women have been widowed, children orphaned and thousands of houses reduced to ashes.

In addition, the killing of Meiteis has not stopped even after more than eight months into the conflict.

The Chief Minister has acted as a mere observer to all these violence but if the deaths and injuries had happened to his own family, he would have jumped into action, she maintained.

Saikhom Usharani further opined that a Chief Minister who has failed to perform his duty to safeguard the lives and properties of the citizens of the State should not remain in power.

Citing his incompetence, she demanded immediate resignation of N Biren Singh.

Moreover, she assured that the Wangjing New Market Women Welfare Association will fully support the JAC's ongoing bandh and other future agitations that the JAC might undertake to fulfill its demands.

Another meira paibi also expressed deep frustration with the current dispensation for its inability to resolve the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the women, children and all citizens.