Wide scale protests held against actions on village volunteers
Source: The Sangai Express

Kakching/Thoubal, February 29 2024: Wide scale protests were staged across the valley districts today defying the actions against the village volunteers and Arambai Tenggol volunteers who have been at the forefront fighting against the atrocities of Kukis.

The protestors were staged, extending solidarity to the village volunteers and Arambai Tenggol volunteers who have been relentlessly fighting the hostility of the Kukis ever since the outbreak of communal violence in May last year.

Wide scale protests held against actions on village volunteers

Kakching

A large number of locals came out on the streets along Kakching Keithel and formed a human chain raising slogans demanding immunity of the volunteers from arrest or any form of actions.

During the protest jointly organised by Kakching Keithel Apunba Ima Lup(KKAIL), Kakching Bazar Business Welfare Association (KBBWA) and All Kakching Clubs co-ordinating committee (AKCCOC), the protestors raised slogans such as 'Abrogate SoO pact with Kuki militants', 'Stop crackdown on village volunteers, Arambai Tenggol volunteers' etc.

Speaking on the sidelines, KBBWA president Nongmaithem Sanatomba urged all concerned to refrain from taking actions against village volunteers and Arambai Tenggol volunteers who have been playing significant roles in defending the peripheral regions of the State in particular from the Kuki aggression.

Stressing that the people of the State have been adversely affected by the prevailing conflict situation in the State, he maintained that abrogating the SoO pact with Kuki militants is essential to pave way for restoration of peace and normalcy in strife-torn Manipur.

Thoubal

Womenfolk of Khangabok staged a sit-in protest at Khangabok Lamlong Keithel in Thoubal district today denouncing the attempts to arrest the volunteers of Meitei villages and Arambai Tenggol acknowledging their importance in fighting the Kuki atrocities.

The protestors chanted slogans demanding immunity for volunteers of villages and Arambai Tenggol.

The protesting womenfolk pledged all forms of support to the volunteers of villages and Arambai Tenggol.

In line with the above demand, Thoubal Apunba Meira Paibi urged the Government to refrain from intimidating the volunteers of Meitei villages and Arambai Tenggol.

Addressing media persons during a press meet held at Thoubal Nongangkhong, Meira Paibi leader Kangabam Malaya maintained that these young individuals who should be pursuing their studies and career have been compelled to take up the responsibility to protect the unity and integrity of the Motherland Manipur.

Considering their crucial role in the battle against the Kukis, the Government and relevant authorities should refrain from taking up any form of action against them, she said.

She further cautioned that if the Government fails to act as per the wishes of the people, the mothers will take up intense agitation to protect their sons.

Highlighting the vital role of the State Security forces in safeguarding the security of the people and integrity of the State, she maintained that they should also serve the people selflessly and deliver their duties diligently.

Later the attendees also raised slogans 'Withdraw Assam Rifles from Manipur', 'Implement NRC in the State', 'No extension of SoO pact with Kuki militants' etc.