Sit-in, rally reiterate anti-SoO, pro-NRC stand
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 28 2024:
Staging of sit-in protests, forming of human chains and carrying out of torch rallies in different parts of the valley districts on Wednesday reiterated the people's demand for abrogation of the suspension of operation (SoO) agreement signed with Kuki armed groups, removal of Assam Rifles from the state and implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.
While sit-ins and human chains marked the daytime demonstrations, the dusk had torch rallies organised by local clubs and Meira Paibi organisations at Meitram, Kodompokpi, Lairenjam Sabal, Utlou, Phoijing, Nambol, Maibam Chingmang, Oinam, Yumnam Khunou, Keinou, Ngaikhong Khunou, Awang Jiri, Balram Khul Maning Leikai, Kabowakching Khunou, Phoijing Makha Leikai, Malom Tulihal Makha Leikai, Malom Tulihal Awang Leikai, Malom Tuliyaima, Oinam, and New Keithelmanbi under Bishnupur and Imphal West districts.
In Kakching district, CSOs, local clubs and meira paibi staged sit-in demanding the end of SoO pact with Kuki militants, return of the displaced victims to their homes, before the Lok Sabha election and the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the state.
The protesters also cautioned the government against conducting the Lok Sabha election before rehabilitation of over 60,000 displaced victims to their homes.
People's Alliance for Peace and Progress, Manipur (PAPPM) had called upon the people to stage sit-in protest demonstrations from February 26 to 28 during the day time and carry out torch rallies from 7 pm to 9 pm on February 28 and form human chains along the roads while shouting slogans demanding abrogation of the SoO pact signed with Kuki militant groups, removal of Assam Rifles and implementation of NRC in the state.
COCOMI had also appealed to the women vendors to organise mass sit-in protest agitations from 11 am to 12 noon and take out torch rallies on Wednesday night to exert pressure on the government for taking a decision on the floor of the state assembly for abrogation of the SoO pact with armed Kuki militants.
Following the appeal of COCOMI, women vendors of Khwairamband Ima Keithel ceased trade activities and staged sit-in protest during which they raised slogans like "SoO agreement with armed Kuki militants cannot be extended", "Implement NRC in the state immediately", "We condemn assault on media persons and killing of students", "We condemn destruction of CSO offices", etc.
Similar sit-in protests were also staged at Kakwa, Heirangoithong, Singjamei, Moirangkhom, Khumbong, Samurou, Lamsang, Thoubal Kiyam, etc.
Meira paibi groups of various localities also staged sit-ins at Andro Parking.
Wangkhei Puja Lampak, Meihoubam Lampak, Wangkhei Pukhrambam Leirak Machin, Wangkhei Koijam Leirak, Kangla Sangomsang, Lamphel, Patsoi, Tabungkhok, Lamdeng, Naoremthong, Langjing, Sagolband, Phumfou, New Keithelmanbi, Moirang and Waikhong.
The protestors used placards which read "Abrogate SoO with Kuiki militants", "Remove AR from Manipur", "Implement NRC in Manipur", etc., and also shouted slogans like "Abrogate SoO with Kuki terrorists" "Go back double standard AR", "Deport illegal Kuki immigrants", "We want peace ,etc.
Similar sit-in protests were also staged at Kakwa, Heirangoithong, Singjamei, Moirangkhom, Khumbong, Samurou, Lamsang, Thoubal Kiyam, etc.
Meira paibi groups of various localities also staged sit-ins at Andro Parking, Wangkhei Puja Lampak, Meihoubam Lampak, Wangkhei Pukhrambam Leirak Machin, Wangkhei Koijam Leirak, Kangla Sangomsang, Lamphel, Patsoi, Tabungkhok, Lamdeng, Naoremthong, Langjing, Sagolband, Phumlou, New Keithelmanbi, Moirang and Waikhong.
The protestors used placards which read "Abrogate SoO with Kuiki militants", "Remove AR from Manipur", "Implement NRC in Manipur", etc., and also shouted slogans like "Abrogate SoO with Kuki terrorists" "Go back double standard AR", "Deport illegal Kuki immigrants", "We want peace", etc.
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