Human chain, rally, sit-ins demand SoO abrogation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 07 2023: The demand for protection of Manipur's integrity and immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militant groups is ever growing with more and more people coming out in support of the demand.

People of Singjamei area today staged sit-in demonstrations and formed human chains at different localities against the aggression by illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Kuki militants.

Women stood in row all the way from Singjamei Thokchom Leikai Imo Filling Oil Pump to Singjamei Waikhom Leikai and shouted slogans such as, "Implement NRC", "Withdraw Assam Rifles from Manipur", "Deport illegal immigrants", "Save the territorial integrity of Manipur", "Disqualify MLAs demanding separate administration", "Cancel SoO with Kuki militant groups", etc.

Human chain, rally, sit-ins demand SoO abrogation

Speaking to media persons, a protester Sumati Sougrakpam lamented the Government's failure to take action against the Kuki militants who have violated the ground rules of SoO by attacking innocent civilians and burning down houses in Meitei villages.

She also expressed anguish over the Government's decision to carry out combing operation instead of taking strong actions against the armed Kuki militants.

Alleging that the Assam Rifles has done nothing for the betterment of Manipur, she further demanded the immediate withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the State.

Kongpal Kongkham Leikai Youth Development Organisation (KKLYDO) and Kongpal Kongkham Leikai Women Peace Committee also jointly staged a sit-in protest cum public meeting today at KKLYDO Community Hall under the aegis of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).

Young Progressive Club Takyel Kolom Leikai and Takyel Kolom Leikai Meira Paibi also staged a sit-in protest at Takyel.

Human chains were formed at Tinsid Road by womenfolk of Moirang Kampu Sajep and Itam Lambi; and from Manipur University Main Gate to Lilong by Peace & Integrity Committee, Kyamgei.

Raising similar demands, sit-in protests were also staged at Lamlai Napet, Nongada, Kameng Khunjao, Chana , Tellou, Leimakhong Mapal, Nongren, Nongdam, Nongpok Kakching, Oksu Ningthemcha Khul, Kanghuchingjin, Takhel, Sanjenbam, Kambongput, Sangsabi, Pungdongbam and Awang Sekmai.

Meanwhile, All Assam Manipuri Students' Union (AAMSU) organised a historic peace rally with a gathering of about 6000 people at Hojai, Central Assam in collaboration with many responsible organisations of various indigenous communities of Assam to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur on May 29 .

In a release, AAMSU expressed shock over the condemnation statements issued by Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) from 14 different cities of India dated June 5, 2023 against the press release of Committee on Tribals Unity (COTU) dated June 4, 2023 stating the lifting of blockade on NH-2 for a limited period of time on the request of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

AAMSU pointed out that no provocative statements has been made till today from AAMSU except to appeal for restoration of peace and tranquillity in Manipur as early as possible.

It also mentioned that there is already a verdict of the Supreme Court of India against any kind of blockade on National Highway which is against humanity.

Seeking stringent action from the Manipur Government and Central Government against the ongoing blockade on NH2 at Kangpokpi, AAMSU stated that the Government needs no more permission or mercy from anyone to make the highway free for plying all kinds of transportation.

"The involvement of KSO Silchar branch as a signatory of KSO city branches in condemning COTU's statement of lifting the blockade on NH2 is really unfortunate, when Meitei and other indigenous communities of Assam are praying for peace to be restored", it concluded.