Keithel Nupi Marup calls for unity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 25 2023: Even as the violent conflict that erupted on May 3 has killed many people and displaced thousands, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Manipur once and spoken a word on the actual conflict, said Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup secretary Laishram ongbi Memma.

She said this while speaking at a programme held at the office of the Manipur Women's Federation (MWF) at Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal to honour 12 mothers of the 2004 nude protest.

On July 15 in 2004, twelve women had protested nude in front of the Kangla Gate demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from Manipur and removal of the Assam Rifles from the sacred palace (Kangla) .

During the programme today, the gathering paid floral tributes to the photographs of three of the mothers who have died.

One of the mothers, Ima Moirangthem ongbi Sorojini Leima was honoured with gifts.

Speaking to the gathering, Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup secretary Laishram ongbi Memma said Manipur is currently facing an unprecedented issue that is threatening the State's integrity and aged culture and tradition of peaceful coexistence of all communities.

"We are fighting to protect the State's integrity.

To face all foes successfully, we must unite as one," she said.

She stressed that all the civil society organisations must come together and work with the people.

If somebody or any organisation is not willing to work with others unitedly, they should just "rest at home" and not come out, she added.

Expressing disappointment at the Government for failing to end the more than 80 days old conflict, she said all the indigenous communities of the State must understand and study the attitude of the Central Government towards them.

Even as the violent conflict that erupted on May 3 has killed many people and displaced thousands, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Manipur and spoken a word on the actual conflict, she said.

The Prime Minister who was blind to all the atrocities, killings and burning of houses since May 3 partially woke up from his slumber after seeing a video clip of some seconds and spoke.

He should first wake up fully to truly understand the reality, she said.

The video clip she was referring to is of an unruly mob parading two women nude amid the current conflict in Manipur.

She appealed to the State Government to make the Centre understand the sentiment of the people and work accordingly to restore peace.

Manipur Women's Federation general secretary Takhellambam Demona recalled the July 15, 2004 incident and said in July 2004, Thangjam Chanu Manorama from Bamon Kampu in Imphal East district was "abducted from her house by the Assam Rifles and she was raped and brutally shot dead" .

Denouncing the gruesome incident, mass protests were held and 12 brave mothers protested nude in front of the Assam Rifles at the Kangla Gate.

The protest was widely reported and it reached across the globe, later prompting the then Government to remove AFSPA from 7 Assembly segments in Imphal area, she said.

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