Mass protests condemn crime against women
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 21 2023:
Vendors of Khwairamband Keithel and Meira Paibi of different localities staged protests on Friday, strongly condemning the naked parading of two women by an unruly mob, a video of which had gone viral recently.
On Friday afternoon, Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Peace organised a protest at Khwairamband Keithel, where the vendors formed human chain and shouted slogans, condemning crime against women.
Speaking on the occasion, Committee co-con-venor Huirem Bino strongly condemned crimes against women.
She said that it is both elating and frustrating to see the PM wake up due to
the viral view, considering his prolonged silence over the unrest in Manipur till date.
Contending that the mothers can never pardon the culprits who tortured the women, she demanded strict punishments to the culprits, while urging against a repeat of similar incident.
She then said that both PM Modi and union home minister Amit Shah should be aware of how everything came to be and added that the situation would only get much worse if the conflict is not stopped.
Thus, she urged for ending the conflict and restoring peace in Manipur.
Pointing out that the incident occurred over two months ago, Committee co-ordinator Laishram Memma questioned why the video was kept hidden till date.
She further questioned why PM Modi expressed his anger over the incident but choose to ignore the plight of Meitei women.
She also questioned whether the leaders are deliberately ignoring the fire burning in Manipur and wondered if there is any hidden agenda between the Kuki and central government.
It is also questionable why the PM is supporting Kuki militants and attempting to eliminate the Meitei, instead of treating all communities fairly.
She then demanded the central government to solve the prevailing crisis within five days.
Meanwhile, similar protests were staged at Tera Keithel, KwakeithelThiyam Leikai, Maying Imphal Bazar, Laphupat Tera, Samur-ou Keithel, Wangoi Keithel and Thongkhong Laxmi Bazar on Friday.
During the protests, the participants condemned the incident and crimes against women, regardless of the community or group the women belonged to.
They then demanded capital punishment to the accused persons, and urged against repeat of such incidents in the future.
They also shouted and held placards inscribed with the slogans, "Say no to narco-terrorism", "Respect our mothers, sisters and daughters", "Respect women for a strong nation", "Women's safety is priority", and, "Our Women, Our Pride" .