Torch rally, sit-ins decry Jiribam killings, AFSPA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 20 2024: Sit-in protests continued in the valley districts on Wednesday, with demonstrators expressing outrage towards the ministers and MLAs for their ambiguous stance regarding the prevailing violence in the state.

The demonstrators particularly condemned the abduction and subsequent killing of six hostages including three children by Kuki militants in Jiribam district and demanded the government to keep its promise to arrest the culprits involved.

The protests simultaneously, demanded repeal of Armed Forces' Special Powers act (AFSPA) from six police station areas, and withdrawal of Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed with Kuki armed outfits.

Mahabali Kabui Khul and Club jointly organised a sit-in protest at the locality on Wednesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Mahabali Kabui Khun Women Society president Khampi Kamei strongly condemned the abduction and killing of three women and three children from Jakuradhor, Jiribam before dumping their bodies in the Barak River and demanded the central and state goverhments to take strict action against the culprits.

She also called for immediate revocation of AFSPA from the state.

Similar sit-ins were also organised by Meira Paibi groups in Yaiskul, Keishamthong Kabui Khul, Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, and Keishamthong Ahanthem Leikai.

Singjamei Yaipha Chaokhat Thoudang Lup also organised sit-in protest at Singjamei Mathak Thokchom Leikai; Nongpok Sanjenbam, Kabo Leikai Nongpok (A), Old Bashikhong Panchayat Development Committee at Okram Chuthek Kitna Pa-nung community hall; Langjing Achouba Makha Leikai Women's Welfare Association at Langjing Achouba; Nongmeibung Women s Development Meira Paibi Association and Eastern Students' Club, Nongmeibung at Nongmeibung community hall; Khurai Soibam Leikai community hall; at Youth Social Club cum Information Centre, Khurai Ayangpalli Road; near Khurai Lamlong Lalit Sangam; Awang Konjeng Leikai Women's Association at Kwakeithel Konjeng Awang Leikai; and Changangei Uchekon Meira Paibi and Club at Changangei Uchekon.

The staff of Angel Children Hospital also staged sit-inprotest at the hospital premises in Uripok Achom Leikai on Wednesday, condemning the brutality meted out to women and children.

Various clubs, Meira Pai-bi groups and organisations also organised sit-in protests along Wangkhei road from Wall United YouthClub, Wangkhei Angom Leikai till Oriental Labour Organisation (OLA), Kongba Thongkhong; while Lamboikhongnangkhong Senior Citizens' Forum carried out a similar a protest at Lamboikhongnangkhong Keithel Shang on Wednesday.

On the other hand, Meira Paibi activists of Khonghampat Mantri Leikai, Awang Leikai, Mayai Leikai, Khonghampat Khunou, Khamaran and Pheidinga took out a torch rally in and around Khonghampat on Tuesday evening to condemn the brutal murder of women and children in Jiribam.

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