Sit-in protest, road blocks continue
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, June 01 2023: Protests by undaunted Manipuri citizens continue in the midst of these trying times with a sit-in protest being staged at Yairipok Huidrom Leikai under Thoubal district today.

Speaking by the sideline of the protest, Huidrom Jhanshirani, prominent leader of Huidrom Leikai Meira Paibi Lup stressed on the hardships faced by the people due to obstacles placed on their livelihoods as a result of the crisis.

Urging the Government and State forces to take up stringent steps to alleviate the suffering of the public, she added that Huidrom Leikai Meira Paibi and Huidrom Leikai Club also share in the sorrows of the displaced families facing adversities.

Huidrom Nongdamba, secretary, Huidrom Leikai Youth Progressive Club raised allegations against Kuki militants under SoO saying that they have violated ground rules of SoO pact by indulging in unconstitutional acts such as burning of houses, firing at civilians causing death and injury.

At this juncture, Nongdamba urged the Central and State Government to closely monitor these militants and ensure that the terms of the SoO pact are followed.

If not, large scale incidents of violence might be in the future of Manipur, he added.

Nongdamba went on to say that numerous people guard the roads at night sacrificing their sleep in various regions of Imphal valley over fears that Indian Army will be stationed in their localities.

"People have lost faith in these Central security forces because of their questionable attitude and actions.

So please withdraw the Indian Army.

Instead deploy State forces for our protection", he maintained.

Further, the secretary expressed strong opposition against sectarian mindsets of different communities seeking to hurt the integrity of Manipur.

Separately, people continue to stage road blocks across Imphal valley to prevent Central Paramilitary Forces from venturing into their localities, thus pointing at a growing distrust of the CPF among the local population.

Today, locals of Thoubal district blocked roads with trees, water supply pipes and other items to prevent the movement of CPF vehicles in their areas.

Reportedly road blocks were seen along the road from Melaground Yairipok Lamkahai leading to Kasom Khullen.

These include the areas of Tomjing Chingkhong, Kshetrileikai, Moirang Palli, Wangkhem, Huidrom, Singa, Siphal Leikai, Bishnunaha Mayai Leikai, Pukhri Achouba Mapal, Yairipok Keithel, Bamol Leikai, Kekru and Khoirom.

Similarly road blocks were also witnessed at the road stretch passing through Asian Highway Nepra Company and leading to Charangpat Nongpok Sekmai.

Residents of the respective areas stepped out of their homes to guard the roads day and night and put a stop to movement of Army vehicles.

Meira paibis also blocked the Thoubal-Yairipok road at Wangkhem Keithel.

An unnamed meira paibi leader highlighted the loss of livelihoods due to the conflict and urged the Central and State Government to abrogate the SoO pact.

Further, expressing a complete lack of trust and confidence in the Indian Army sent to protect the masses, the woman called for withdrawal of the CPF.

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