Roads blocked in protest against deployment of CPF in Thoubal; sit-ins continue
Source: The Sangai Express

Thb/Bpr, May 29 2023: Womenfolk at various localities under Thoubal district ventured out of their homes to block roads calling for withdrawal of Central Paramilitary Forces and deployment of State forces as well as rooting out of Kuki militants from the soil of Manipur today.

Meira paibis of Yairipok Bishnunaha, Siphai Leikai, Yairipok Keithel, Laimanai, Top-Chingtha and Yairipok Bamol Leikai blocked roads today to prevent CPF from entering these localities.

The protestors also blocked Yairipok bridge connecting Thoubal and Imphal East as well as the roads leading to Yairipok Thoubal, Yairipok Nongpok Sekmai, Yairipok Kasom Khulen, Bamol Leikai and Kekru Khoirom.

Under Imphal East district, the areas of Top Chingtha, Laimanai and Yambem etc saw protests and blockades today.

Roads blocked in protest against deployment of CPF in Thoubal; sit-ins continue

Similarly, many other roads were blocked in protest today including the road from Charangpat passing through Nepra Company leading to Asian Highway; the road around Arong bridge and Athokpam Keithel and Charangpat Mayai Leikai.

In the last one, the road was dug out with JCB thereby preventing vehicular movement.

Speaking by the sideline of the protest at Yairipok Keithel, Mema Devi, stressed that the ongoing conflict has gravely impacted the lives of civilians.

Condemning the silence of the Indian Government and State Government in this regard, she called for the withdrawal of CPF/Indian Army alleging them of carrying out atrocities against Meitei civilians and instead demanded for the deployment of State forces.

Maintaining that people do not harbour any ill-feelings towards ordinary Kuki citizens, she however urged the relevant authorities to root out all Kuki militants from the State who have reportedly been engaging in numerous acts of violence.

Separately, meira paibis of Pechi, Ukhongshang, Bengi and Lourembam along with hordes of people blocked the road at Pechi Chinglak with large water pipes to stop any CPF from venturing into the area.

At Thoubal, scores of protestors raised slogans calling against deployment of CPF in Thoubal during a protest held at the national highway in front of Waikhom Mani Girls College.

The protestors also stopped several vehicles carrying CPF from proceeding further and forced them to turn back.

Calling against deployment of Central Paramilitary Forces, a protestor by the name of Okram Manorama stated that the State forces deployed by the District Police Thoubal and DC Thoubal in and around Thoubal district are sufficient.

Similarly, meira paibis of Thoubal Athokpam called against deployment of CPF in the surrounding area of Athokpam village and staged a protest at Athokpam Keithel national highway.

The protestors also submitted a memorandum to Thoubal DC in this regard.

They raised various slogans decrying the violent acts of Kuki militants and calling against deployment of Central forces.

Womenfolk of Salungpham village also made similar demands and carried out road blockades while demanding that they be armed with weapons to better protect their children.

Hordes of frustrated Salungpham citizens blocked the road at three different locations along the road stretch from Salungpham to Wangjing.

Meanwhile, protesting meira paibis at Charangpat Maning Leikai have expressed discontent with the administration of Chief Minister N Biren Singh in view of the ongoing situation and called for his resignation along with that of all MLAs by tomorrow if they are unable to restore peace in the violence-hit State.

Separately, sit-in protests were also staged in three different locations under Bishnupur district, namely, Chingmei Bazar, Ima Panthoibi Laibung and Keibul Mayai Leikai.

The protests were attended by inmates of various relief camps who proceeded to raise slogans calling for disqualification of the ten Kuki-Chin MLAs, withdrawal of Central Paramilitary Force, deployment of State forces, enforcement of NRC among others.

The protestors expressed displeasure with the lack of State assistance for inmates and the State's inability to effectively deal with Kuki SoO militants.

They also pointed out the alleged biased attitude of Central Paramilitary Forces in dealing with the conflict and accused them of favouring one particular community.

Stating that this attitude has infuriated the civilians, they further questioned why despite entering the 27th day of the conflict, instead of witnessing a decrease in the number of relief camp inmates, the opposite has been observed.

Adding that the inmates are surviving from the generous donations extended by the people, they also acknowledged that this cannot be a permanent solution and raised doubts about their survival in the future.

Thus, the protestors urged the Government to bring about a peaceful solution and alleviate the suffering of the relief camp inmates.