YOM, Thawai Meerel, Moreh IDPs organise protest
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 19 2024: Large number of people including people displaced from Moreh and currently staying at the Akampat Ideal Girls' College relief camp, led by Youth of Manipur and Thawai Meerel, on Thursday organised a protest rally against the persistent attacks on state security forces by Kuki militants in Moreh.

Police resorted to firing tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the protestors as they tried to march up to the CM's bungalow.

The protestors gathered at Singjamei Keithel area and took out the rally towards Babupara.

Megaphones were used and electric poles clanked to call out the locals.

As they reached Moirangkhom, state and central security forces stopped them resulting in a tense standoff after which the security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the protestors, who stayed put.

As some womenfolk sought an audience with security advisor Kuldiep Singh and the Governor, police detained one of the protestors which infuri -ated the protestors insisting on release of the detainee.

Even as Imphal West SP proposed that some representatives of YOM and Thawai Meerel meet the security advisor and advised others to return along with assuring release of the detained person, the protestors refused the proposal and stayed there demanding release of the arrested person first.

Later, police released the arrested person and the protestors stayed there waiting for a meeting with the security advisor.

Interacting with the media, Thawai Meerel co-convenor Paonam Sanahanbi said that they took out the protest march to meet the security advisor and demand grant of additional power to state forces in fighting the Kuki militants.

She strongly condemned use of force by the security on the protesters and accused security forces of using their might only against the Meeteis while letting the Kukis indulge in violence.

She also questioned the policy of the government and its stand regarding the Meetei community and insisted that the security advisor and Governor resign if unable to resolve the crisis.

She further demanded CM Biren and the security advisor to hold a joint press conference and clarify to the public, who is in-charge of the Unified Command.

Later, a nine-member delegation of YOM (3), Thawai Meerel (4) and two women IDPs of Moreh met with Kuldiep Singh around 6.30 pm.

Interacting with the media after the meeting, YOM representative Diana said that they demanded a written statement from the security advisor about action to be taken up in case of further attack by Kuki militants, and assurance to remove central security forces from their locations if they fail to act accordingly.

They also demanded him to step down as chairman of the Unified Command on moral ground of failure to reign in the Kuki perpetrators.

In response, Kuldiep Singh declined demand for written assurance while expressing that he can leave the state anytime if the Governor or the chief minister of the state ask him to do so.

While explaining that he is simply an advisor for security matter and the real power is bestowed on the CM, the security advisor contended that he only attends meeting on the invitation of the CM.

Kuldiep also said that any officer or personnel of central security forces including Assam Rifles can take up appropriate action if any citizen is affected by any act of violence.

Actions can be initiated against any officer, who is making excuses of not getting order to use force, Sanahanbi quoted Kuldiep as saying.

She then appealed to the people of Manipur to come forward and raise their voice.

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