Meitei Pangal protest threat to integrity of Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 21 2023:
Meitei Pangal (Manipuri Muslims) organisations within and outside the state on Wednesday organised protests by forming human chain and sit-in demonstrations under the aegis of All Manipur Muslim Organisations' Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) in their respective localities including Khabeisoi, Mantripukhri Bazar and Khomidok Heikhrumakhong against the ongoing violence in the state and threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Interacting with the media at Hatta, AMMOCOC secretary general Wahidur Rahaman said that the protests were organised following a joint decision of AMMOCOC and village committees of Meitei Pangal held on June 19 .
Consequently, the protests were held in different parts of the state including Jiribam as well as Cachar, Tripura and Bangladesh.
Protestors put up placards and chanted slogans demanding restoration of peace and upholding territorial integrity of Manipur.
The protestors also said that the community will not remain silent if there is any attempt to balkanise the state, he said.
Wahidur further said that Meitei Pangal community had organised several protests demanding restoration of peace ever since the violence broke out on May 3 and also submitted a four-point memorandum to union home minister Amit Shah during his visit to the state.
Unfortunately, the government has not been able to resolve the crisis, which is why they are carrying out the protest, he said while adding that the community will not hesitate to sacrifice their lives to protect the state's territorial integrity.
The secretary general also drew the attention of the government to relax curfew in New Checkon area stating that people of the area are facing immense hardships due to the restrictions.
Meetei and Meitei Pangal residents of Top Khongnangkhong ana Kshetri Awang Leikai also organised protest in the form of human chain and holding the Meira (bamboo-made torch) on Wednesday night demanding protection of the state s integrity and restoration of peace.
In a sit-in protest organised at Lilong Bazar on Wednesday demanding restoration of peace in the state by All Meitei Pangal Coordinating Committee (AMPCC), the participants displayed placards calling for protection of Manipur's integrity, restoration of peace by the government at the earliest, implement NRC, uproot drug mafia from the state, etc.
A public meeting was also held which resolved for low key celebration of upcom -ing Eid-Ul-Adha festival, Meitei Pangal community to object division of the state, demand implementation of NRC to deport illegal immigrants from the state, take steps to stop drug menace in the state, stop deforestation, to extend support to any campaign for the welfare of the state and that the central government should bring out a solution to the present crisis so that normalcy can return to the state.
The protest was also attended by AMPCC convener Md Muhamuddin, Ningthouja Lancha and Phunindro Konsam.
On the other hand, United Development Committee (UDC), Sangaiyumpham organised a human chain demonstrations in various areas of Sangaiyumpham including Puleipokpi to Dam and Lamaing to Palli bazar with people shouting slogans demanding restoration of peace, stop violence, maintaining communal harmony and peace, etc.
Similarly, human chains were formed by Meitei Pangal community of Jiribam at Babupa-ra Pangal Tabi, Islamabad and Chingdong Leikai and other areas on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a sit-in protest was staged by meira paibi activists of Kshetrileikai Awang Leikai, Moirang Palli, Phoudel and Keiranbi against narco-ter-rorism at Thoubal Kshetrileikai Moirang Palli on Wednesday.
The protest was also attended by Sanaleibak editor Hemanta Ningombam, social activist Ningthouja Lancha and others who spoke on prevailing situation in the state.
During the protest, the participants held placards and raised slogans demanding 'Withdrawal SoO agreement with Kuki militants', 'Stop filing false FIR against Meeteis', 'Stop influx illegal immigrants from Myanmar', 'We condemn our PM's silence', etc.