'Resigning means surrendering'
People react to CM's resignation buzz
Source: The Sangai Express

Imp/Tbl/Kak, June 30 2023: Shortly after a buzz of Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigning made the round across the State and beyond, a large number of people staged protest demonstrations in different parts of Manipur asserting that the Chief Minister should not leave the post at this critical juncture.

In Jiribam, at least six meira paibi lups took out a mass rally from Babupara and proceeded towards Jiribam Bazar before gathering at Jiri Ima Keithel.

The six meira paibi lups were (AJMP), (WASED), (JIMPAL), (JIMWAK), (WWOK) and (JKCTEL) .

The protesters demanded that neither the Chief Minister should resign nor should President's Rule be imposed in Manipur.

Speaking to media persons, AJMP president S Sushila appealed to the Chief Minister to instead focus on restoring peace and normalcy.

'Resigning means surrendering' People react to CM's resignation buzz

The Federation of Civil Society Organisations( FOCS), on the other hand, said that the Chief Minister considering resigning when Manipur is burning since over the last 50 days is unfortunate.

Addressing the media at Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal today, FOCS president Th Manihar said that the situation in Manipur will worsen if the Government is dissolved.

Urging the Manipur Government to convene a special Assembly session so as to find a solution to the conflict besieging the State, Manihar said that Kuki militants need to be driven out from the State for peace to prevail.

He also appealed to all the MLAs, excluding the Chin-Kuki MLAs, to work together to safeguard the unity and integrity of Manipur.

"Why should we always seek help from the Centre to protect Manipur all the time," he asked and appealed to all political parties to refrain from politicising the issue but work together for the sake of Manipur at this crucial juncture.

Protests were also staged at Yairipok Top-Chingtha Mathak Leikai and Yambem Laimang Community Hall with a message to the Chief Ministers and all MLAs to not think of stepping down during this challenging period but to take up strong actions against Kuki militants.

The protesters also urged the Government of India to stop playing divide and rule policy.

Speaking to the media, Top-Chingtha Mathak Leikai Meira Paibi Lup advisor Naorem Pishakmacha said that the people of Manipur will not accept any decision taken by N Biren or any MLA to resign.

Urging the Government to abrogate the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with the Kuki militants at the earliest and withdraw Assam Rifles from Manipur, Pishakmacha further said that the unity and integrity of Manipur should not be compromised under any circumstances.

Khundrakpam Kendra Youths' Organization (KHUKYO) also said that the Chief Minister resigning at this moment would be akin to surrendering to Kuki militants.

In a statement, KHUKYO president L Sanjit said that the Chief Minister should instead pressure the Central Government to restore normalcy at the earliest.

Under the aegis of Kakching Bazar Business Welfare Association (KBBWA), women vendors stood in line in front of Kakching Keithel and raised slogans that neither the Chief Minister should think of resigning nor the unity and integrity of Manipur should be compromised.