Brutal killing of 13 unarmed youths condemned, tributes paid
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, December 06 2023: Expressing deep anguish over the massacre of 13 unarmed Meitei youths at Leithao village on Monday, women vendors of Yairipok Keithel have asserted that the Chief Minister should protect Manipur and her people instead of merely safeguarding his "chair" .

The women vendors made the statement during a sit-in protest staged in condemnation of the massacre perpetrated by suspected Kuki militants.

This was accompanied by an offering of floral tribute on the portraits of the 13 deceased youths.

Speaking by the sideline of the protest cum floral tribute ceremony, one Keisham (Ongbi) Memcha shared that agitations will be reignited to demand withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the State.

Brutal killing of 13 unarmed youths condemned, tributes paid

Referring to the Chief Ministers' frequent assertions that peace is returning in Manipur, she strongly questioned where is this fabled peace that he keeps mentioning.

Memcha urged him to resign from his office as chief minister and assign somebody more capable of dealing with the crisis with this important role.

Expressing extreme dissatisfaction with the Chief Minister's performance, she questioned if his only concern lies with his office and not with ensuring the safety of the people.

Thus, she asserted that the Chief Minister should stop making false assertions of peace and resign.

The protestors held placards with messages such as "Enforce NRC in Manipur", "Remove AR from the State", "We condemn the massacre by Kuki militants" among others.

The gathering also offered prayers for the 13 recently departed souls to rest in peace.

Separately, IMC Youth Team and meira paibis organised a candlelight vigil at Leishangthem Bashikhong Leirak yesterday evening in honour of the 13 Meitei youths with prayers for the deceased to find peace in paradise.

The vigil saw wide participation of womenfolk, young and old as well as youths of Leishangthem village.