Keithel Sleepover : Students await dawn

Leishemba Loushambam *

Hundreds of students of various schools and colleges have gathered at the historic Ima Keithel market for a sleepover protest, anxiously awaiting a response from the Governor's office.

This unprecedented demonstration is a culmination of their frustration and despair over the government's inability to ensure the safety and security of civilians amidst the ongoing 16-month-long conflict. The situation has taken a dire turn this month, prompting the students to take a stand.

The protesters have presented a charter of demands, the withdrawal of central paramilitary forces from the state and the resignation of the Security Advisor and Director General of Police (DGP) ruling principally in the charter, citing their failure to protect and safeguard the lives of citizens.

The students' demands are a testament to their loss of faith in the current administration's ability to address the escalating violence and ensure public safety.

As they spend the night at the market, they remain resolute in their pursuit of justice and accountability. The Governor's response to their demands will be crucial in determining the next course of action for these young protesters.

Recent aerial attacks using drones and missiles on state civilians have galvanized students, particularly those residing in peripheral areas, to demand action from the political leadership.

The students have given the state a 24-hour ultimatum to take decisive action against the heavily armed Chin Kuki based narco-terrorists responsible for the attacks, which have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries in recent days.

The sleepover protest can be seen as a symbolic journey through the darkness of violence, which has plagued the state for 16 months, in search of a new dawn. The students' demands for accountability and protection from the state government have reached a boiling point, and their collective voice will no longer be silenced.

As the deadline looms, the students' determination and resilience will be put to the test.

Will their cries for justice be heard, or will the state fail to respond, leaving the students to face another deathly night of uncertainty?