Sit-ins demand NRC in state, resolution to crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 01 2023: State level civil society organisations on Saturday organised demonstrations in collaboration with local bodies at several locations in the valley districts demanding implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.

In Imphal East district s Khurai, a large number of women staged a sit-in to denounce any attempt to impose President's Rule in the state and affirmed their support to Chief Minister N Biren Singh while in Jiribam district bordering Assam's Cachar dis trict, women took out a rally urging the chief minister and MLAs not to resign as it would tantamount to surrendering before the militants.

In pursuance of the demand for immediate withdrawal of SoO agreement with Kuki militants, a sit-in protest was also held at Mongkhang Lambi on Saturday by members of Apunba Kshetri Leikai Mongkhang Lambi Meira Paibi Lup under the aegis of COCOMI.

During the sit-in, the protestors held placards inscribed with the slogans, "Govt must solve narco-terrorism issue in the state", "No separate administration", "Withdraw SoO with Kuki militants", "Demolish unregistered villages immediately", and "Protect reserved forest and protected areas ".

On the other hand, Apunba Samurou Naorem Nupi Lup staged a sit-in protest at Samurou Keithel to denounce alleged pressure by union home minister to force chief minister N Biren Singh resign from his post amid the restive situation.

During the sit-in, the protestors also offered tributes to the departed souls of all those killed in the violence since May 3 .

The protestors condemned the CM for his purported decision to tender resignation and instead urged him to use his powers as CM to prevent the atrocities committed by Kuki militants.

All Meitei MLAs/ministers should press the centre for protecting territorial and emotional integrity of Manipur, withdraw of SoO agreement with Kuki militants and implement NRC in Manipur, demanded the protesters protestors who also chanted slogans related to the aforementioned demands.

Sapam Leirak Nong-maithem Leikai Women's Protection Committee, The Youth Bright Star Club, Nongmaithem Leikai Cha-nura Liching Lup Lukram Leirak Mayai Leikai and Lukram Leirak Awang Leikai Women's' Welfare Association also jointly staged a sit-in protest at Tera Lukram Leirak Machin on Saturday.

Organised under the aegis of AMUCO, the sit-in demanded the state government to be courageous and protect the people, not to yield to the demand for separate administration and do the needful for withdrawal of SoO at the earliest.

AMUCO along with local organisations also continued its mass meeting on 'No separate administration in Manipur' on Saturday.

In a release, AMUCO informed that during the mass meeting at Tera Lukram Leirak executives and advisors of AMUCO, COHR, AMAWOVA and YOFFS spoke on different topics.

These demonstrations come a day after chief minister Biren clarified that he was not resigning from the post.

Before his clarification, thousands of demonstrators had blocked his convoy from proceeding towards Raj Bhavan on Friday.

The CM eventually told women demonstrators that he was not resigning.

He tweeted, "At this crucial juncture I would like to clarify that I will not be resigning from the post of chief minister" .

Unconfirmed reports said the CM had typed out a resignation letter but was persuaded by his supporters to tear it up.

Some of the women agitators said they had seen the torn letter and social media also posted copies of it.

More than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in the state so far.

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