Despite total curfew, protests held all over
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19 2023:
Despite the total curfew, thousands of women staged sit in protests as a part of 'Mama oibi singi Khongjang (a protest of the mothers)' at different locations of the valley districts against the separate State/administration demand being raised and with a call to implement National Register of Citizens and to root-out narco-terrorism from Manipur, today.
The proposed rally of Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace (KIKJCCFP), however, couldn't be taken out as a large number of security forces were deployed at Khwairamband Keithel who erected fences to prevent assembly of people.
Meanwhile, a large number of mothers from Thangmeiband gathered at Thangmeiband Meisnam Leikai Ima Panthoibi Community Hall and staged a protest and raised slogans to not grant the separate administration demand, abolish narco-terrorism from Manipur, call a special session of the State Assembly and implement NRC among others in unison.
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Shortly after, a team of Imphal West police arrived at the protest site and asked the women to vacate the hall, leading to a heated altercation between the two sides.
It is reported that the police didn't even allow the women to raise slogans furthermore.
Speaking to media persons, a member of Emoinu Apunba Nupi Lup Moirangthem Tamila said that they decided to stage the protest as both the Centre and Manipur Government are unable to control the Kuki militants who have been attacking Meeteis.
Why would the women come out and stage protests if the Central and the State Governments do their part and protect lives and properties, she reasoned and asked the Government to understand the sentiments of the people.
Meira paibis of Keishamthong Longjam Leikai, Thouda Bhabok Leikai and Irom Pukhri Mapal also staged a protest demonstration at Thouda Bhabok Leikai by raising the same demands to implement NRC, safeguard the unity and integrity of Manipur etc.
One of the protesters, Thingbaijam Sushila said that they staged the protest to extend solidarity to the initiative of KIKJCCFP.
Similar protest demonstrations were also held at Wahengbam Leikai Yumjao Lairembi Shanglen, Sangaiprou Mamang Leikai Community Hall, Keishamthong, Khurai, Konthoujam, Sagoltongba, Awang Khunou, Langjing, Moirangkhom, Mongjam, Kameng Sabal, Lamdeng, Ngairangbam, Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak and Khuyathong Polem Leikai among others.
At Heingang the Constituency of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, women formed a human chain at Koirengei Bazar, Awang Potshangbam Khunou and Khabam Lamkhai along National Highway-2 as a part of 'Mama oibi singi khongjang' and raised slogans against the demand of separate administration and to convene an emergency Assembly session and implement NRC among others.