Human chains denounce Kuki attacks, GoI apathy
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 15 2024: People lined up along the national, state and inter-district highways in response to the mass protest demonstration called by People's Alliance for Peace and Progress Manipur to denounce attacks on civilians by Kuki militants and alleged failure by the central government to resolve the humanitarian crisis in the state.

As a part of the protest call, widespread human chain demonstrations were carried out on Thursday, demanding the removal of Kuki narco-terrorists from the state and revocation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.

The protests commenced at various locations in the valley districts from 2 pm to 3 pm.

Addressing the media during the protest at Ima Keithel, PAPPM president Mayanglambam Bobby emphasised that the demonstrations aimed to highlight the Kuki-Zo people's attempts to manipulate and distort Manipur's history, culture, and boundaries.

"They (Kuki-Zo) seek to claim land from Manipur, which is a part of India, to establish their own country, which they call Kukiland," Bobby fumed.

Throughout the protest, numerous businesses remained closed in solidarity with the mass human chain demonstrations across Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts.

Hundreds of women vendors of Ima Keithel also joined the mass demonstration, calling for complete removal of the Kuki-Zo community from the state and replacement of Assam Rifles with other central forces.

Protestors echoed slogans such as 'Go back Kuki narco-terrorists', Save Manipur, Save India', Long Live Manipur', Go back double standard Assam Rifles', Abrogate Suspension of Operation with Kuki terrorists', and Deport illegal Kuki immigrants', among others.

"This protest represents not just our voice but the voice of the entire Manipur.

The crisis initiated by the Kuki-Zo people since May 3 last year has displaced thousands from their communities, resulting in burnt houses and loss of lives.

However, our Prime Minister has remained silent on the Manipur crisis," remarked Nirmala, a woman vendor at Ima Keithel.

Expressing concern for the future of the youth, Nirmala lamented the impact on Meeteis' prospects, with many abandoning studies and professions to join the battlefield in defence of Manipur's land and people.

Highlighting the central government's utilisation of taxes paid by Meeteis on central security forces, Nirmala accused these forces of targeting Meeteis with violence.

"We demand an end to atrocities against the Meeteis, who are a peaceful people, and a swift resolution to the situation.

We seek peaceful coexistence among all indigenous people of the state without compromising its integrity," she added.

Similar large-scale protests were observed across various parts of Imphal city, aiming to draw attention to the central government for a prompt resolution to the prolonged unrest in the state.

Gaitri S, a university student who attended the protest at Kongba in Imphal East district, said, "We want the central government and its security agencies to look into the endless supply of ammunition to the militants, which has enabled them to continuously attack villages for the last nine months".

The protest comes as Imphal valley has been recently witnessing renewed attacks by suspected militants in Pukhao Shantipur in Imphal East district, Sugnu in Kakching district, and Kadangband in Imphal West district.

Renu Laishram, a protester advocating for the deportation of illegal immigrants who have stayed since 1961, said, "How can we remain at peace when the administrative unity and territorial integrity of the state are being threatened every single day? The state was built over the course of 2000 years by the indigenous people and its rulers.

How can we tolerate if some illegal immigrants who came into the state not more than 50/40 years want to break it?" On Tuesday, a 25-year-old village volunteer was killed and two others were injured in a gunfight between two warring communities at Pukhao Shantipur in Imphal East district.

An army officer also suffered gunshot injuries in a separate incident in the district when he, along with other security personnel, was going to control a situation.

On Wednesday, armed men attacked Sugnu village in Kakching district, triggering a gunfight with village volunteers stationed in the area.

Last May, Sugnu witnessed severe violence, resulting in the burning of numerous houses and the loss of more than five lives, which compelled hundreds of villagers to seek refuge in relief camps.

The national highway section in Thoubal district also witnessed people holding the national flag demanding action against Kuki narco-terrorists and flushing them out from the state to save Manipur and the country.

The protest demonstrations organised under the aegis of PAPPM were staged at Thoubal Wangmataba, Thoubal Keithel, Thoubal Okram, Babu Bazar, Khangabok, Wangjing and Khongjom Bazar in Thoubal district, arid at Bishnupur Keithel, Ngak chroupokpi Khwairakpam, Keinou, Ngaikhong Khunou, Yumnam Khunou, Oinam Keithel, Nachou, Potshangbam, Upokpi, Toupokpi, Ningthoukhong, Thinungei, Phubala, Naransena, Moirang, Thanga, Moirang Khunou, Kumbi, Phougakchao Ikhai, Ithai and Wangoo in Bishnupur district.

The agitators held placards and chanted slogans like 'Save India Save Manipur', 'Remove Assam Rifles', 'We Want Peace', 'Down Down Kuki Narco-Terrorists', 'Abrogate SoO with Kuki Terrorists' and 'Implement NRC in Manipur', etc.

In Kakching district, the demonstrations were held at Kakching Keithel, Sora, Hiyanglam Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar, Lang-meidong, Elangkhanpokpi, Waikhong, Kakching Khunou, Umathel, Wangjing Khunou, Wangoo, Chairel, etc.

Similar protests were held in different localities of Kshetrigao assembly constituency, Meitram, Malom, Changangei, Uripok, Khumbong, Yurembam, Sekmai, Kanglatongbi Bazar, Khabam Lamkhai, Sawombung, Lamlai, Napet, Nongada, Leimakhong Mapal, Seijang, Sabungkhok, Yain-gangpokpi, Chana, Tellou, Pungdongbam, Sawombung Thongkhong, Kongba Huirem Leikai, Bamon Kampu Awang Leikai, Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai, Bamon Kampu Makha Leikai, Irilbung Machahal, Kalika, Kongba khunnou, Kongba Kshetri Leikai, Kongba Walko, Kongba Nongthombam Leikai, Pangong Makhong, Naharup, Thongju and Moiramkampu Sajeb, among others.

Women in large numbers also came out and protested in Kyamgei Palahanbi area by forming human chains holding Indian flags in their hands.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the protest, Peace and Integrity Committee convenor Chingangam Meghachandra informed that the human chain demonstration is aimed to save not only Manipur but also safeguard India as illegal immigrants from across the border will ultimately destroy Manipur and India.

The demonstration also intends to draw the attention of PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he added.

He further stated that the assembly session scheduled from February 28 should adopt resolutions to implement NRC in the state, abrogate SoO agreement with Kuki armed outfit and also pass an Act to face Kuki militants causing immense destruction to the environment.

He also said that the state government should remove Letpao Haokip from the chairmanship of committee formed to identify illegal immigrants in the state and replace him by a Naga MLA.

Thangmeiband Kendra Development Organisation (TAKDO) also organised protest demonstration during which people came out along the Nagamapal stretch.

Speaking to reporters, TAKDO president Kh Nobo lamented that the humanitarian crisis has been lingering on for over nine months and the people of the state have been experiencing serious sufferings.

Therefore, the state assembly should take the decision of abrogating SoO with the armed Kuki militants.

He also demanded removal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur.

(with inputs from agencies) .

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