Keithel vendors pitch for new chairman of unified command
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 18 2024:
Vendors of Khwairamband Keithel along with others on Thursday met the chief minister and security advisor with regard to the evolving situation in Manipur over the past few days.
The women vendors of Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, Ima Keithel and Nagamapal ceased work for the day and congregated at the open space between the two Ima markets around 10.30am Thursday.
They then proceeded towards till the CM's Bungalow to meet security advisor Kuldiep Singh while shouting various slogans.
However, they were intercepted by a large number of City and Imphal police personnel at BT Road, leading to a standoff.
The protestors managed to break through and continued towards the CM's Bungalow.
When the protestors reached near the gate of Raj Bhavan, RAF personnel deployed in the area intercepted them resulting in another stand-off.
The RAF personnel fired several mob bombs and tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
The crowd dispersed for a minute and again gathered in front of the Treasury Office, located next to the Raj Bhavan.
Later, around 20 women vendors were picked out and taken to meet the security advisor at the CM's Bungalow.
The remaining protestors again moved forward but were blocked by security personnel in front of the Raj Bhavan gate.
There, the protestors shouted various slogans such as "Go Back Assam Rifles", "Deploy additional forces in Moreh", "Remove incompetent security advisor" and "hand over unified command to the chief minister".
Later, Khwairamband vendor Asem Nilamani, who was one of the 20 representatives, spoke to media persons after meeting the security advisor.
She said that the security advisor was made aware of the demands of the people.
In response, the security advisor informed that CM Biren is already the chairman of the unified command and everything he (Kuldiep) has done till date is under the instruction of the CM.
He also informed that process is underway for removal of Assam Rifles and efforts are being made to strengthen the security forces in Moreh town and others areas, which are being persistently attacked by the Kuki militants.
The protestors later dispersed from the area after the representatives returned from meeting the security advisor.