Cease work strike, protests staged against Kuki rally
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal/Bishnupur/Kakching, August 31 2024: In response to the cease work strike called by Meetei Leima on Saturday against the protest rally taken out by Kuki-Zo community in pursuance of the demand for Union Territory with legislature, main markets in the valley including Khwairamband Keithel, Thangal Keithel and Paona Keithel remained shut, even as sit-in protests were staged at different places.

During the strike, market areas in Imphal wore a deserted look and there was less traffic as most of the inter-district passenger vehicles remained off the roads.

On the other hand, sit-in protests were staged at Langjing Achouba, Khurai UK road by meira paibi activists; at Wangoi Keithel by students and teachers of Iboton Memorial Academy, Wangoi and at Angels English School near Kongpal Kongkham Leikai Commando Complex by teachers, students and their parents.

The agitators chanted slogans and held placards inscribed with slogans like, 'protect integrity of Manipur', no separate administration for Kuki', 'revoke SoO agreement with Kuki militants', 'implement NRC in Manipur', 'don't challenge the 'Idea of Manipur', etc.

Speaking to media persons, one of the students, stated that they oppose the rally organised by Kuki community with an aim to disintegrate the state.

State and central government should concrete steps to ensure that the state's integrity is not disturbed, the student added.

Meanwhile, major markets in Nambol, Oinam, Bishnupur, Ningthoukhong, Moirang and Kumbi under Bishnupur district remained shut on Saturday in support of the cease work strike call given by Meetei Leima.

Passenger services were halted, government offices witnessed low attendance and most of the schools remained closed in the district.

On the other hand, a human chain was formed at Kha Potshangbam against the rally organised by Kukis.

During the protest organised jointly by Kha Potshangbam Village Volunteers and meira paibi activists of Kha Potshangbam Ward No 7, 8 and 9, the protestors shouted slogans such as 'no separate administration,' 'no to extension of SoO agreement,' etc.

Speaking to media persons, one of the meira paibi protestors, cautioned the government against extending the SoO agreement with Kuki militants and conceding to the demand for a separate administration of the Kukis, and said otherwise indigenous Meeteis will resort to intense agitation against the government.

Kakching Bazar Business Welfare Association and Kakching Keithel Apunba Ima Lup also supported the cease work strike with Kakching Bazar, markets and shops remaining shut in Kakching district on Saturday.

Sit-in protests denouncing the Kuki rally were also staged by Khunggang Shemgat Shagatpa Lup (KSSL), Lamjao; Peace Keeping and Protection Committee (PKAPCL), Lamjao and Lamjao Apunba Meira Paibee Lup at Lamjao Mayai Leikai Ima Panthoibi Shanglen and by United Committee Pallel and Meira Paibee Apunba Lup Pallel at Pallel Keithel.

During these protest demonstrations, the agitators chanted slogans and held placards inscribed with 'send back illegal Kukis', 'withdraw ST status from illegal Kukis', 'save Manipur', 'grant ST status to Meetei', 'no separate administration', 'revoke SoO immediately', etc.

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