Rally demands withdrawal of AR
Source: The Sangai Express
Moirang, July 07 2023:
A massive rally was taken out in Kwakta today demanding withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur.
The rally participated by thousands of womenfolk from different parts of Bishnupur district denounced AR for allegedly siding with Kuki militants and helping the latter attack Meitei civilians instead of safeguarding them.
The protestors also shouted many slogans including "State's integrity should not be compro-mised", "We condemn AR's partisan attitude",) "Pull out AR who manhandles women" etc during the rally which started at Kwakta Turel Mapal and culminated at Kwakta Keithel.
A protester on the sidelines of the rally, said people have been protesting against Assam Rifles for their partisan conducts since the outbreak of the communal clash and amidst this resentment and protest, one innocent student was allegedly killed by militants in a vicinity so close to the area where AR and Army personnel are deployed.
"We are fed up with the Assam Rifles and Indian Army who let militants prey on civilians right under their nose," she said.
The spot where a lad named Ricky was killed allegedly by Kuki militants is deep into the side of Meitei settlements and militants would have to cross many neighbourhoods to reach the spot.
Moreover the killing spot is very close to an outpost of Assam Rifles opened at INA High School, she said.
Not only this, many vehicles of the Army's quick response team were found stationed at Kwakta blocking the passage of the State force, she said.
"The rally was taken out in view of these injustices and killings.
If the Government fails to pay heed to their demands, womenfolk are all prepared to take up intense forms of agitations," she added.
The violence in Manipur broke out on May 3 and since then more than 130 people have died.