Mass slogans raised to rein in SoO cadres
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 17 2023:
Local clubs and organisations raised resounding slogans to protect the unified structure of Manipur, demanding withdrawal of SoO pact and disqualification of ten Kuki MLAs from the Assembly in numerous localities of Imphal valley today.
Sit-in protests were staged at Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi, Sagolban Nepra Menjor Leika Naoremthong, Koirengf Bazar, Keirao Bitra an Mayang Imphal by frui trated locals.
The protest at Mayaikoil was organised by Pakhangl Cultural Club (PCC) in a sociation with Mayaikoil Meira Paibi Apunba Nu Lup, Mayaikoibi Makl Leikai Nupi Lu Mayaikoibi Mamang Leikai Nupi Lup and Mayaikoibi Awang Leikai Nupi Lup and local residents wherein the protestors raised slogans of "No to separate administration in Manipur", "Foreigners cannot be landowners", "Take concrete action against SoO militants" and "Unified structure of Manipur cannot be fractured" .
Speaking by the sidelines of the protest, Ch Roshikanta, joint secretary, PCC stated that the violence which erupted from May 3 onwards has no connection with the ST status demand raised by Meiteis, instead it is the result of prior made plans being put into action.
Stating that the Tribal Solidarity March was taken out in several districts, Ch Roshikanta questioned why violence only erupted in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Moreh.
Insinuating that this is clear indication of some nefarious designs at work, he called for the withdrawal of SoO agreement and stringent action against Kuki militants.
At Sagolband Nepra Menjor Leikai, a sit-in protest was staged by NEMYODA in collaboration with Nepra Menjor Pukhri Mapal Women's Voluntary Association.
A Moirangleima, president, Nepra Menjor Pukhri Mapal Women Voluntary Association strongly condemned the unfortunate turn of events which has threatened the integrity of Manipur.
She questioned why the State Government has not clarified the spurious information presented by the ten MLAs before the Centre.
"Nobody can threaten the unified structure of Manipur as long as Meitei women are alive.
We will sacrifice our lives but we will not let this land be fractured", she strongly asserted.
Separately, Sagolband Moirang Leirak Women's Welfare Association, Young Social Service Union Club (YSSU), SAKAL Club and Nepra Menjor Mamang Leikai Meira Paibi also took out a sit-in protest in front of YSSCU Club at Sagolband Moirang Leirak today.
At Koireng Bazar, protestors raised slogans demanding the Central forces to go back if they cannot safeguard the public and calling against extension of the SoO agreement.
The sit-in protest was organised by Koireng Bazar Nupi Marup along with many meira paibi organisations from the surrounding areas.
Some other slogans raised during the protest include "No to division of Manipur", "No to refugees carrying out poppy plantation", "Implement NRC in Manipur", "We condemn burning of Meitei homes by Kuki militants on May 3", "No to extension of SoO agreement" and "Punish Kuki militants under SoO who have violated ground rules" .
While speaking to media persons, Indubala, president, Koireng Bazar Nupi Marup stated that the deployment of huge numbers of Central forces does not make any sense when the security forces have done noting to deter the Kuki militants from breaking the ground rules and attacking the Meitei community, burning their houses etc.
"If these Central forces cannot protect us, please leave the State.
The mothers of Manipur will protect our Meitei community", she asserted.
Raising the call to disqualify the ten Kuki MLAs who demanded for a separate administration in Manipur, locals of Keirao Bitra staged a sit-in protest at Lai Haraobung, Keirao Bitra under the supervision of COCOMI.
The protestors held placards with various demands, namely, "Provide constitutional safeguard to Meitei community", "We demand inclusion of Meitei community in ST list", "Withdraw SoO pact" and "Disqualify the ten MLAs" among others.
The protest was organised by five local clubs and meira paibi associations from Keirao Bitra.
Speaking to media, Heikham Jadumani, secretary, Nongpok Ningthou Panthoibi Development Committee claimed that the unrest erupted as a result of the State Government's efforts to clamp down on deforestation, poppy cultivation and its plan to implement NRC and end the SoO pact with Kuki militants.
He alleged that the Kuki militants had retaliated against these acts and brought innocent Kuki civilians under their influence, thereby leading to the civil unrest.
He further accused the ten Kuki MLAs of having a hand in the conflict while citing their demand for a separate administration as proof of his claim.
Calling for the disqualification of these ten MLAs, he also condemned the silence of the remaining 50 MLAs, calling it 'unreasonable', especially at a time when the ten MLAs have openly challenged the unified structure of Manipur.
Urging the State Government to withdraw the SoO agreement, he also made a call to "arm the civilians if the Government cannot ensure people's safety" .
A sit-in protest staged at Mayang Imphal Thana Awang Leikai also called for implementation of NRC and concerted efforts to restore normalcy in the State.
The protest was organised by locals of the area and witnessed chanting of slogans related to protecting the integrity of Manipur, legal action against the ten Kuki MLAs, save the indigenous population of Manipur with 1951 as the base year, root out Kuki militants under SoO and call to ensure that the fleeing/displaced families are provided safe passage back to their homes.
The protestors also demanded stringent action against those threatening the integrity of Manipur.
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