'Mothers' defy curfew, hold street protest
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 19 2023:
Defying imposition of curfew, 'mothers' of Manipur under the aegis of Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace, launched protest agitations across the valley districts on Wednesday.
Despite the curfew and scorching sun, the womenfolk carried out the protest to make the national leaders aware that 'mothers' of Manipur are suffering since outbreak of the ethnic violence in Manipur.
The protestors shouted slogans like "No separate administration Manipur", "end narco-terrorism in Manipur", "convene emergency assembly session and take resolutions according to the wishes of the people" and "Implement NRC in state" .
According to Coordinat ing Committee co-convenor, Konsam Puinabati, the government imposing curfew in the valley districts after the 'mothers' had already announced conduct of democratic protest to demand restoration of peace in the state testifies that the government feels intimidated by the Meira Paibis.
Such timidity makes it obvious that the government can never stand against the armed militants, she added.
Puinabati also recounted that when large number of people recently congregated at the high security zone to urge chief minister N Biren withdraw his resignation plan, there was no curfew imposed.
However, when the mothers of Manipur decided to raise slogans and demonstrate in peace, the government did not hesitate to impose curfew, thereby implying that government is not in a position to effectively prevent attacks carried out by armed Kuki militants towards Meitei villages in the foothills.
Protests were carried out in Thangmeiband, Yaiskul, Keishampat, Moirangkhom, Keishamthong, Kakwa, Langthabal, Mayang Imphal Thongkhong Luxmi Bazar, Yumnam Huidrom, Lamdeng, Konthoujam, Lamsang, Sa-goltongba, Langjing Achou-ba, Awang Khunou, Patsoi, Yurembam, Takyel Kolom, Heinoupok, Sagolband, Uripok RIMS Road, Awang Leikinthabi, Tengdonyang, Pheidinga, Loitam Khullen, Khonghampat, Khurkhul,.
Senjam Chirang, Awang Wa-bagai, Koirengei Bazar, Kha-bam and Awang Potsangbam Khunou.
Staff of Kripadrashini Advanced hospital also took out protest agitation at Palace compound.
In Imphal East district, meira paibi groups staged protests at Porompat, Pangei, Soibam Leikai, Nongmeibung, Kongpal Sajor Leikai, Kongpal Porompat, Top Khongnang-makhong, Khurai, Yumnam Patlou, Nongada, Wangkhei, Bhamon Kampu, Langdum, while in Thoubal district similar protests were held at Wangjing Keithel, Thoubal Leishangthem Bazar, Babu Bazar, Thoubal Kshetrileikai, Samaram Lamkhai, Yairipok Keithel, Yairipok Leirongthel, Yairipok Malom, Khongjom Keithel and Lilong Atongk-hong.
In Bishnupur district, pro-test demonstrations were staged at Ningthoukhong, Sanjenbam, Pukhrambam, Langpok, Kakyai, Govinda gram, Nambol, Oinam Wan-goo, Kumbi and Toubul.
In Kakching district, the protests were held at Kakch-, ing Sumak Leikai Sengrong; Langmeidong Awang Leikai; Thounaojam playground and near Wangoo police station.