Thousand rallies against arrest of village volunteers, PR imposition
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, February 26 2025: Thousands of protesters on Tuesday staged a torch (meira) rally in Yairipok denouncing the arrest of village volunteers and imposition of the President's Rule in the State of Manipur.

The protest rally was jointly organised by Nongpok Sayang Apunba Lup (NSAL) and All Yairipok Meira Paibi.

Thousands of Meira Paibis, clubs and organisations from the village of Phanjakhong, Chandrakhong, Ningel, Leirongthel, Kakmayai, Malom, Khoirom, Kekru, Bamol Leikai, Pechi, Bishnunaha, Siphal Leikai, Huidrom Leikai, Wangkhem, Laimanai, Top-Chingtha came out in large number with torch on their hands and gather at Yairipok keithel.

At Yairipok keithel, the protesters shouted slogans against the arrest of village volunteers, and demanded revocation of the President's Rule from the State.

The protesters also demanded for the formation of a new Government.

Speaking on the sideline of the protest, All Yairipok Meira Paibi, secretary, Matouleibi Maibam said that the arms of the villagers should be surrendered legally only when there is an amicable solution to the present crisis.

The imposition of the President's Rule in the State by the Central Government is an attempt to suppress the Meiteis, alleged Matouleibi.

Nongpok Apunba Lup, president Ananda Laishram said that the torch rally was organised against the arrest of village volunteers, and the recent order of the Governor to surrender the arms and ammunition.

He also denounced the imposition of the President's Rule in the State and urged the authorities concerned for immediate cessation of operation carried out by the security forces to arrest village volunteers.

He continued that the clubs, organisations and Meira Paibis of Yairipok will stand and fight for the village volunteers and any attempt to arrest village volunteers in the Yairipok area must bear the consequences by the Central Government.

Comment