Sit-in demands abrogation of SoO pact with Kuki militant groups
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 12 2023: The demand for immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militant groups is ever growing with more and more people coming out in support of the demand.

Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai Meira Paibi today staged a sit-in protest demanding withdrawal of SoO pact and Assam Rifles from Manipur at Leishemba Club, Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai.

Speaking to media persons, Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai Tamu Pukhri Mapal Meira Paibi advisor Khangembam Bilasini denounced the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the present unrest in Manipur which has led to the loss of many innocent lives and left thousands displaced.

Sit-in demands abrogation of SoO pact with Kuki militant groups

Highlighting that the Government of India has remained a mute spectator to all the violence in Manipur which has been going on for more than two months, she mentioned that it is time for all the indigenous people to come together and fight the external aggressors instead of waiting for help from others.

Demanding the removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur, she alleged that the Central Forces especially Assam Rifles deployed in the State have done nothing to deter the armed Kuki militants from targeting innocent civilians and burning down houses belonging to the Meitei communities.

"Let the people along with the State Forces defend Manipur from Kuki militants", she added.

Questioning the motive behind the RAF personnel going to Cheirao Ching yesterday without any prior information or permission from the nearby villages, she informed that local clubs and Meira Paibis of the area had restricted any form of illicit activities in Cheirao Ching.

"11 RAF vehicles came to Cheirao Ching on Tuesday night.

After 10 vehicles had gone up the hill, people of the area stopped the last vehicle for checking and found liquor and some foods", she claimed.

Asking whether the RAF personnel had gone to Cheirao Ching for a picnic during these difficult times, Bilasini urged all concerned to not repeat such irresponsible acts in the future.

Placards with the writings such as, "Cancel SoO with Kuki militant groups", "Go back useless Central Forces", "Remove Assam Rifles from Manipur", "No entry of Central Forces in Cheirao Ching without permission of Police OC concerned, local clubs and Meira Paibi", "We want peace", etc were displayed at the protest.