Women bodies oppose arrest of VVs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 26 2025: The Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup and All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMWOVA) have come out strongly against the arrest of village volunteers.

During a press conference held today at Khuyathong Community Hall, Soraisam Memcha, president, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup said that without the protection rendered by village volunteers, Manipur might have ceased to exist.

As a result, she strongly objected to the arrest of village volunteers and carrying out of combing operations by security forces.

After the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur, security forces have poured all efforts to round up village volunteers, which is unfortunate, she said.

On the other hand, Y Kunjarani, president, AMWOVA asserted that the failure of security forces to rein in the violence in the initial stage of the conflict led to the emergence of village volunteers who stepped up to protect their own villages and people.

Denouncing the India Government's alleged designs to suppress the Meitei community, she said that as the security forces were kept from performing their assigned duties, they failed to protect the lives and properties of the public.

At this juncture, due to the rising toll of the violence, many civilians became village volunteers.

These volunteers merely defend their villages against attacks by inimical forces seeking to disintegrate Manipur.

Hence, all efforts to arrest them should stop at once, she maintained.

Thongam (o) Apabi, general secretary, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup was also present at the press briefing.

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