Sit-ins protest SF brutal crackdown, Meira Paibis oppose deployment of AR
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 13 2023: Widespread sit-in protests were staged in Imphal East district today against the brutal crackdown by some Central Security Forces upon Meira Paibis who were on the road at different places of Lamlai Assembly Constituency on Thursday.

Seijang Peace Committee Meira Paibi today organised a sit-in demonstration cum meeting at Seijang against the excessive use of force by Security Forces.

The meeting took a number of resolutions and submitted a complaint letter to the police.

At the sit-in, Poirei Apunba Leimarol Meira Paibi president Bimolata Louriyam strongly condemned the brutal crackdown by security forces on civilians and demanded the authorities concerned to take appropriate actions against the wayward and high-headed security personnel.

Sit-ins protest SF brutal crackdown, Meira Paibis oppose deployment of AR

She also cautioned that if appropriate action is not taken against the Central Forces involved in the brutal crackdown, agitation and public movements will be launched to remove Central Forces from the State.

Sit-ins were also staged at Lamlai; Sabungkhok Khongnang Makhong; Napet by Meira Paibis of Nongada, Telou Chana and Chingnungkok; and Yaingangpokpi by Meira Paibis of Sanasabi, Thamnapokpi, Gwaltabi, Santi Khongbal & Sabungkhok Khunou.

During the protests, the women folk shouted slogans and displayed placards with the writings such as, "We condemn assault on Meira Paibis'', "We condemn harassment of Press Media'', "Stop brutal acts against Meitei'', "Go back Central Forces'', "Punish Security Forces assaulting women'', etc.

Meanwhile, Meira Paibis of different villages under Uyumpok Gram Panchayat have announced that they will oppose any attempt to forcefully station Assam Rifles in Nongshum and Chanung.

Briefing media persons today at Taretkhul, one Keisham Hemabati informed that due to the close proximity to about 15 Kuki villages, people of Nongshum and Chanung were forced to leave their homes and take shelter in relief camps.

She continued after State Forces and Central Forces with the exception of Assam Rifles were deployed in the area to maintain law & order, people started returning to their respective homes.

Accusing the Assam Rifles of being biased against the Meitei community, she claimed that the entry of AR is just like inviting Kukis to the village.

"If the Government is determined to protect the people, it should deploy State forces in the area", said Hemabati.

The Meira Paibis also shouted slogans such as, "We condemn assault of women by Assam Rifles", "We oppose deployment of AR in Chanung, Nongshum", etc.