IDPs launch hunger strike, storm MLA's residence
Source: Chronicle News Service
Bishnupur, December 26 2023:
Under the aegis of Churachandpur Meetei Ethnic Clash Victims' Committee, Manipur; displaced people living in different relief camps in Bishnupur district, launched a hunger strike at Kha Potshangbam in Bishnupur district on Tuesday asking the government to fulfil their demands even as large number of protestors stormed the house of Moirang MLA Th Shanti after the latter allegedly manhandled a young protestor.
The Committee has been demanding the government to provide basic needs including daily expenditure allowance to the displaced people, issue all relevant documents to the displaced people in their respective relief camps, consult the Committee for all issues related with Meeteis of Churachandpur district, and payment of commensurate compensation for the lost properties.
The committee also resolved to refrain from submitting any affidavit to the government until their demands are fulfilled.
A woman protestor told media persons that the hunger strike is not only for the displaced families of Churachandpur but also for all districts.
The demands were adopted unanimously in series of meetings.
The displaced people had hopes and dreams, which have been shattered by the crisis and they are resorting to protest in order to get their rights and privileges, she affirmed.
Committee secretary Naba Ningthoujam said that they had submitted a memorandum containing their demands to the government on December 17 but there is no response from the government, consequently forcing them to hold the protest.
He demanded the government to ensure that the relief assistance reaches the displaced families.
Later, in the afternoon around 1 pm, the protestors went to the private residence of Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti at Moirang Philem Leikai to mount pressure on the MLA.
However, the meeting took an unexpected turn as a heated argument ensued between some of the protestors and the MLA, who allegedly manhandled one of the protestors.
Consequently, the protestors stormed the MLA's residence but Bishnupur district police controlled the situation.
Protestors decried the attitude of the MLA and said that he seems to have some biased against the displaced families from Churachandpur district.
Meanwhile, Bishnupur district administration shortened the curfew relaxation hour to 12 noon.