29 women vigilantes hurt in AR crackdown
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, June 20 2023: Meira paibi activists on Tuesday launched intense protest at the gate of 33 Assam Rifles (C Coy) near Lilong police station against detention of four volunteers of Meetei village guards by the AR unit.

As the protest intensified a tus -sle broke out around 3 am during which 29 women were injured in crackdown by AR personnel using rifle butts and other objects.

The injured have been admitted to District Hospital, Thoubal while one Th Pakpi (43) of Thoubal Mi-yam, who suffered head injuries, has been taken to RIMS Hospital.

According to reports, the incident occurred after news spread that the four village volunteers were apprehended by 33 AR around 12:30 am Tuesday.

Subsequently, a large number of women from Thoubal, who had been on vigil all night, marched to the 33 AR gate demanding their release.

In an effort to ward off the women protesters, AR personnel resorted to butt-charging the women resulting in injuries to 29 women.

As report of the crackdown spread, more people from Lilong Arapti and Lilong Chajing joined the agitation.

Speaking to media persons, a protester condemned the assault by AR on women and gravely injuring them, saying that they launched non-violent protest to seek the release of four village volunteers.

Meanwhile, sources said that the said four village volunteers apprehended by AR were handed over to Lilong police station, after which they were produced before the Court of Duty Magistrate Thoubal and released.

On the other hand, a sit-in protest was staged by public in front of Thoubal Babu Bazar on Tuesday denouncing assault on the women by 33 AR personnel.

During the protest organised by Meitei Community Joint Co-Ordination Committee, Waithou to Kiyam Siphai, Haokha, Thoubal Khunou, a joint body of 18 clubs of the area, the agitators demanded removal of 33 AR (C Coy) as well as withdrawal AR from the entire state.

Speaking to media person, one of the pro testors, Akoijam Chitreshori informed the women had approached the AR demanding release of the four village volunteers who are involved in safeguarding Meetei village from frequent attacks by Kuki militants.

But, the AR personnel did not listen, instead they started assaulting women with sticks and rifle butts, she decried.

Calling it a direct attack on Meetei community, Chitreshori strongly condemned the act of AR personnel who are in the state to protect the people.

She further warned that if such atrocities are committed then they will resort to intense form of agitation.

Chitreshori further emphasised that Meetei community has never targeted any community.

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