Womenfolk launch protests against arrest of village volunteers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 21 2025: Expressing strong opposition to the arrest of village volunteers by security forces, womenfolk staged protests at various localities in the valley today.

Meira paibis of Waiton, Pangei, Khundrakpam, Tangkham and Morok Ingkhol in Imphal East district staged a protest demonstration at Pangei Bazar opposing the arrest of village volunteers today.

Speaking in this connection, Wahengbam Manbi, president, Waiton Meira Paibi Lup, asserted that Manipuri mothers cannot accept the India Government's "one-sided" rounding up of innocent village volunteers and seizing of weapons.

She declared that if the Centre can put an end to the conflict within 7 days, mothers of Manipur will ensure that all weapons are deposited to the authorities on the second day after the end of the crisis.

Vendors of the three Khwairamband Keithel also launched protests today demanding withdrawal of President's Rule from the State and formation of a new Government.

Speaking in this connection, Khumukcham Ongbi Rani, secretary, Khwairamband Keithel Sinpham Amadi Shaktam Kanba Lup decried the struggle for power among the State legislators which led to the imposition of PR in Manipur and the subsequent arrest of village volunteers.

She also denounced the biased lens cast on the hills and valley wherein the law appears to be in force in the valley while no similar operations have been carried out in the hills against the weapon-totting Kuki militants.

The protestors shouted slogans such as "We oppose arrest of village volunteers", "Release them immediately", "Give equal treatment to both the hills and valley", "Withdraw PR and form a new Government", among others.

Separately, members of Singjamei.

Apunba Nupi Lup (SANL) organised a sit-in protest at Singjamei Keithel today followed by the shouting of slogans.

Speaking to media persons, Sumati Sougrakpam, publicity secretary, SANL asserted that rounding up innocent village volunteers instead of cracking down on "Chin-Kuki narco terrorists" cannot be justified.

Objecting to the arrest of village volunteers, she, in turn, demanded the arrest of armed Kuki militants along with their weapons.

She warned that continued arrest of village volunteers might invite large scale protests in the State.

On another note, she urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to restore peace and normalcy in the State.

Mayang Imphal Apunba Meira Paibi Lup also staged similar protests at Mayang Imphal and members of Khuman Chanu organised a protest.

Meanwhile torch rallys were taken out tonight at Kakwa Naorem Leikai and Yumnam Khunou against the increasing arrest of youths since the imposition of PR.

Additionally, meira paibis from Langol Game Village also organised sit-in protests in their respective localities from 10 am to 3 pm today against the arrest of village volunteers and imposition of AFSPA in Manipur.

These include Meira Paibi Apunba Langol Game Village Zone I, Langol Game Village Zone DI Meira Paibi and womenfolk from Moreh and Churachandpur staying at the Alternate House Complex Relief Camp; Punshi Leikai Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, Langol Game Village Zone-II Meira Paibi and Punshilok Meira Paibi, Langol.

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