Mass rally decries crackdown, calls for end to crisis
Source: The Sangai Express
Moirang, June 23 2024:
Amid curfew imposed in Bishnupur, thousands joined Manipur Chanura Lamjing Lup's rally demanding a solution to the more than a year old Manipur crisis today.
People, especially womenfolk from districts across the valley and members of more than 240 civil bodies took part in the rally.
Dubbed "Manipur Meeyamgi Khollao Puba Khongchat", MACHALL's rally demanded the Government to act precisely to end the conflict and restore peace in Manipur.
While the district administration clamped curfew on all routes, thousands of protesters and Meira Paibis started the rally from Moi-rang Mukta Higher Secon- dary School at Kokilabon at around 1 pm and culminated at Hemam Nilamani Sports Complex at Moirang Ngang-khalawai at around 4 pm.
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While it demanded a solution to the crisis, the rally urged all the people to unite and take responsibility to protect the State themselves.
It raised slogans against crackdowns on village volunteers defending civilian settlements against militants' attacks.
Speaking to reporters, MACHALL co-convenor Moirangthem Nirmala said the rally was organised to put pressure on the Government to end the "man-made conflict" .
She appreciated all the people who came out for the rally for their unity and support towards the rally.
"People have shown what it is like to be united today, and I hope this unity will continue.
We hope to work together as one in facing every challenge," Nirmala said.
At Hemam Nilamani Sports Complex at Moirang Ngangkhalawai, a public meeting was held and it took several resolutions.
Former acting Chairman of Manipur Human Rights Commission, Khaidem Mani, social activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram and DM College of Arts Principal Professor Ch Sheelaramani Devi, among other notable personalities, attended the meeting.
The public meeting underscored the "biased" approach of the Central security forces and its failure in curbing the crisis.
It demanded the Central security forces to "go back and leave Manipur" .
Further, the meeting resolved to boycott the Central security forces.
The public will not cooperate with the Central forces until they are removed from Manipur, said the resolution.
The public meeting resolved to form a frontal organisation to bring about unity and ensure cohesion among all groups in handling the Manipur crisis.
Speaking at the public meeting, former acting Chairman of MHRC, Khaidem Mani said the Chief Minister of the State seems powerless and a person who has been put under house arrest.
He said the power of the State has been diluted and the State is functioning like it is being put under President's Rule.
Manipur is a very small State and even after more than a year, the conflict has not ended.
The Government has failed to restore peace and normalcy.
Amid such a situation, people must unite and face the challenges together to resolve the crisis, he said.
The present State Government has no teeth.
It has lost its essence, and people have lost faith in it, he added.