Widespread protests staged against gruesome murder of six, condemnations continue to pour in
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2024: Widespread demonstrations were carried out in different areas of the Imphal valley today against the gruesome killing of the six women and children by Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants in Jiribam.

Terming the brutal killings as a cowardly act and terrorism, many organisations, imminent personalities and political parties have called for justice.

Today, Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council staged a sit-in protest at Irawat Bhawan, Imphal demanding justice for the six women and children who were killed by "Kuki Narco Terrorists" in cold blood and revocation of Armed Forces' Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958, which was re-imposed in the jurisdiction of six police stations in the State, including violence-hit Jiribam.

Widespread protests staged against gruesome murder of six

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the sit-in, CPI/MSC leader Laishram Sotinkumar expressed concern over the prevailing situation of Manipur and strongly condemned the cold blooded murder of six innocent women & children by the Kuki narco terrorists.

He also alleged that the ill-designed policies implemented by the State and Central Governments have posed a grave threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur.

He lamented that indigenous Meeteis are not unable to travel freely in their own State and have been forced to struggle for essential items.

He continued that the Government has failed to provide adequate security along the National Highways to ensure safe passage of vehicles, resulting in the shortage of essential commodities in the State.

He also questioned the purpose behind the deployment of thousands of Central Security Forces in the State if they are unable to protect innocent women and children from the atrocities of Kuki narco terrorists.

Furthermore, Sotinkumar demanded the Government to take immediate steps to end the conflict, award befitting punishment to the terrorists, revoke AFSPA, implement NRC and protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Placards with the slogans such as, "Save Manipur", "Save Humanity", "Revoke AFSPA", etc were used at the sit-in.

Moreover, students of National Institute of Technology Manipur also staged a sit-in protest against the cold blooded murder of 6 civilians at Jiribam.

During the sit-in, the students urged the State and Central Government to end the prolonged conflict at the earliest.

At the sit-in, the students expressed grave concern for the academic future and urged the State and Central Government to end the conflict at the earliest.

The students also displayed placards with the writings such as, "Justice for Manipur", "Stop the bloodshed: Protect our women and children", "We demand accountability from the Government", "Manipur deserves peace, not injustice", "Why is PM Modi silent?", etc.

Similar protest demonstrations demanding justice for the six women and children were also staged at Manipur University Main Gate by Manipur University Students Union (MUSU) and Jiribam Students Forum (JSF), Kakwa and Kabo Leikai by womenfolk of the areas.

At the sit-ins, protesters shouted various slogans while burning the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Security Advisor Kuldeep Singh.

Besides, students of Department of Law, LMS Law College held a candlelight vigil on Monday in honour of the three women & three children who were brutally murdered by Kuki militants in Jiribam.

Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Manipur has vehemently condemned the brutal killings of the six abducted individuals, burning of houses by armed militants and attacks on police & CRPF personnel in Jiribam.

The ABVP Manipur also expressed disappointment over the destruction of properties belonging to democratically elected leaders by enraged mobs.

In a release, ABVP Manipur said that the ongoing violence in Manipur which began on May 3, 2023, has plummeted to unprecedented depths with the heinous abduction and murder of six innocent civilians, including three women and three children, among them a seven-months-old infant.

The ABVP Manipur asserted that this act defies even the most basic humanitarian principles, where women and children are traditionally spared.

"We believe timely intervention could have saved the six lives lost.

The concerned authorities have failed in their duties, and both State and Central Governments have failed to ensure the safety and normalcy in Manipur", it added.

The ABVP Manipur demanded immediate action to restore peace and order, protection for innocent civilians and accountability for the failed response.

Appealing to the public, ABVP Manipur said, "In these challenging times, we urge patience and peace.

Let us stand together against violence and work towards a harmonious Manipur".

The ABVP Manipur also extended its solidarity to the affected families and demanded swift action to prevent further unrest.

Moreover, the Meitei Churches Advocacy for Peace & Development, (MCAPD) and Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee have also vehemently condemned the cold blooded murder of six innocent women and children in Jiribam and demanded swift action against the perpetrators.