IDPs stage protest demanding safe return to their homes
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, December 02 2024: Displaced folks at Yumbimacha High School Relief Camp staged a Sit-in protest today appealing the State Government to send them back to their original homes swiftly.

Speaking on the sideline of the protest demonstration at the camp located at Kakching Khongnang Mari Phangba, Heikrujam Asharani, who originally hails from Sugnu Napat Mayai Leikai, pointed out that despite the innumerable rallies, sit-in protests and other forms of agitations demanding a lasting resolution to the conflict, neither the State nor Central Government have lent an ear to the people's voice.

Urging the concerned authority to rein in Kuki aggression and facilitate the return of displaced folks to their original homes, Asharani highlighted their sense of desperation stating that the inmates are no longer afraid of death and would choose to experience a day of freedom.

She cautioned that intense forms of agitations might be initiated if their pleas continue to fall on deaf ears.

Meanwhile, another displaced individual from Serou by the name Irom Robita expressed discontent with Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Despite his assurances that concerted efforts are being undertaken to bring peace, there is no visible evidence of it, she added.

Further, she questioned if the Chief Minister is only capable of imposing internet bans and curfews in the valley districts whenever there is an outpouring of public anger coupled with protests etc.

She also opposed the arrest of village volunteers stating that peripheral villages are safe only because they are protected by Meetei village volunteers.

She spoke out against arresting them and levelling charges against them.

Referring to their life in the relief camp, she expressed that the inmates no longer have the will to live while merely subsisting on the Government's charity.

"We want to live in our own houses, eat by the sweat of our brow, educate our children and live normal lives", she lamented.

The protesters held placards with messages such as "It is time for us to unite", "End India's proxy war", "Let us return to our original homes", "We do not want to live in pre-fabricated houses" among others.

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