Minister, MLA condemn; Many question PM's statement
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur, July 21 2023: A sit-in protest was staged by meira paibi activists of Nambol assembly constituency at Nambol temporary market in Bishnupur district on Friday.

Speaking at the protest, education minister Th Basanta Kumar pointed out that Manipur has always been a secure place for womenfolk, but the viral video of the incident that occurred on May 4 has shown the state in bad light not only to the PM but also to the whole world.

Stressing that the attitude and conduct of the people in the incident are affront to Manipur's culture and tradition, he emphasised that it should be condemned by all and should never be repeated again.

Th Basanta also contended that the government is mulling to press for capital punishment against those involved in the incident including the ones who filmed the video.

Assuring that the government is doing all it can to solve the present conflict as soon as possible, he maintained that the prevailing situation has been caused by narco-terrorism, deforestation, illegal migrants and Kuki militants.

Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti also joined in a sit-in protest staged by people of Moirang AC at Moirang Lam-khai on Friday to condemn the May 4 incident.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Shanti contended the situation has been caused by few people who want to divide the state.

Government is working to punish the culprits involved in the incident, he added.

On the other hand, sit-in protests condemning the viral video incident were organised on Friday at Hao Keithel, Nambol, Thinungei Bazar, Bishnupur Forest Gate, Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou community hall, Kha Potshangbam community hall & Oinam Bazar, Bishnupur district; Hi-yanglam Wabagai Lamkhai Keithel, Kakching district and Lilong Keithel, Thoubal district.

Speaking at the protests, the agitators condemned the incident, questioned the biased statement of PM Modi and suspected that there might be a hidden agenda by the Government of India for keeping the flames of the conflict burning.

Government should take responsibility of people's anger against the incident which has shamed the Meiteis and put community in poor light, they said and insisted that exemplary punishment be meted out to the perpetrators as per the law of the land.

At the protests, the agitators held placards and chanted slogans demanding punishment of the culprits; respect women and protect child; reveal the agendas of state and central govern ments; not to politicise the crisis; resignation of CM, ministers & MLAs if they cannot protect the state; withdrawal of SoO agree ment; implement NRC, etc.

Similarly, a sit-in protest was organised by Naga Women Union, Chandel (NWUC) at Nupi Keithel and Tham-lakhuren/Lamkang Centre on Friday condemning the incident.

Speaking at the protest, NWUC general secretary Ng Catherine Moyon declared that the atrocities committed against two Vaiphei women is insult to all women.

Regardless of communities, everyone should condemn the incident and the perpetrators should be given punishment as per law, she added.

During the protest, the agitator field placards and chanted slogans such as 'Punish Criminals, Save Women', 'Zero Tolerance for Violence', 'Empower women', 'Stop crime against women', 'Unite against violence today', 'Our women our pride', 'Respect women and children', 'Peace and harmony always', 'demand justice end violence', etc.

Meanwhile, addressing a press meet at Old Age Home, Kakching on Friday, Peace Committee Kakching District advisor Nongmaithem Nimai strongly condemned the incident of two Kuki women paraded nude by some people.

He also expressed displeasure over the belated comments of PM Modi on the viral video after maintaining silence on the violence in the state for nearly three which has claimed the lives of many, destroyed properties and rendered thousands homeless by narco-terror.

Such incident would not have happened if timely action had been taken by the PM, he added.

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