Turmoil will linger as long as SoO remains in force: Khwairamband Keithel vendors
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 19 2023: Chaos and turmoil will never cease in the State until the State and the Central Government withdraw from Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with Kuki militants, feel women vendors of Khwairamband Keithel.

Observing one day cease work, women vendors of Khwairamband Keithel staged a sit in denouncing the atrocious activities of kuki militants and raising various demands including State Government's withdrawal from SoO pact, upholding State's territorial integrity at the adjoining alley between two Keithels (Northern side) .

Speaking on the sidelines of the cease work and sit-in, secretary of the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Shinpham Amasung Shaktam Kanba Lup Thingujam Rani stated that the sit-in was being organised for women vendors of the three Keithels taking a day off in the face of the prevailing situation unfolding after May 3 .

Turmoil will linger as long as SoO remains in force: Khwairamband Keithel vendors

The communal clash that erupted on May 3 has affected all communities and it should be endeavour of all that such incidents do not repeat in the future, she said.

Sending out strong resentment over Central Government's inaction in the face of the gun attacks at various villages situated along the foothills by Kuki militants under SoO even after almost two weeks, Rani also expressed solidarity to all affected by the violent incidents that have occurred since May 3 .

Condemning the gun attacks and citing blatant violation of SoO ground rules, she said that both the State and Central Governments should abrogate the SoO pact with the Kuki militants at the earliest.

She also came out strongly against the demand for a separate administration raised by 10 Chin-Kuki MLAs.

The release of demand for a separate administration signed by 10 MLAs amidst the chaotic situation has only added more fuel to the issue and as such the State Government should take up strong actions against these MLAs, she urged.

Raising separatist agenda to serve their personal interest in a State like Manipur which is sheltering various communities side by side and creating unnecessary tension to all sections is uncalled for, she said while calling for restoration of peace and tranquillity among all communities.

The communal clash, the demand for separate administration, blockades along National Highways and the resulting price hike of essential commodities have only added woes to the common people, she said while appealing to all vendors concerned to not sell commodities at exaggerated rates.

Playcards and festoons reading "Down with Narco-Terrorism", "No Separate Administration", "Withdraw from SoO", "NRC implementation need of the hour", "Confine SoO militants in their designated camp" were also displayed during the sit-in.

Similar sit-ins were also staged at Keishamthong Hodam Leirak Machin Keithel, Ahanthem Leikai, Khagempalli Huidrom Leikai, Pishum Keithel and Haobam Marak Kangjam Leikai under the aegis of Keishamthong Nambul Mapal Apunba Club which is an umbrella body of 16 clubs.

Speaking to media persons during the sit-in, convenor of the umbrella body Salam Basanta stated that the recent communal clash which has left thousands displaced and homeless and cost many innocent lives, was a very unfortunate incident and prayed that such incidents do not recur in future.

He also stressed on the need for mediation at all possible levels and Government's sincere intervention to expedite the restoration of peace and normalcy.

Seeking protection of indigenous communities, he also appealed to all concerned to identify illegal immigrants and send them back to their respective countries to avoid turmoil and tensions in the State.

The protesters also raised slogans demanding State Government's withdrawal from SoO with Kuki militant groups and denounced the excesses and cruelty meted out to innocent villagers settling along foothills including regular gun attacks, killing and abduction of innocent villagers by the militants.

The protesters also took strong exceptions to attempts of illegal immigration to drive a wedge among the indigenous communities who have been residing in the State for centuries.

"We want peace and the State and the Central Government should do the needful to end the crisis," the protesters demanded.