Sit-in opposes bid to net village volunteers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 23 2024: Lamphel Supermarket Coordinating Committee on Tuesday organised a sit-in protest at the Supermarket demanding withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur and to oppose government crackdown against village volunteers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Committee co-convenor N Thaibema reminded all concerned many lives have been lost and properties destroyed in attacks on Meeteis by Kuki militants since May 3 last year.

Consequently, youngsters, who should be in schools and colleges, are volunteering to defend Manipur by guarding periphery villages.

Holding state and central governments accountable for suffering of the people and criticising and political parties for indulging in blame game instead of finding solution to the conflict, she also queried reason for not initiating action against the 10 Kuki MLAs who are fuelling the unrest situation.

The co-convenor also alleged that AR is responsible for deepening the crisis by aiding disruptive elements from outside the country.

While demanding withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the state, N Thaibema contended that the conflict will never end till removal of the central paramilitary force.

Meanwhile, Meitei Leima submitted memorandums to political parties for discussing about village volunteers and adopt resolutions against taking action against them in the upcoming Manipur budget session scheduled to begin from July 31 .

Addressing media persons in this regard at Manipur Press Club here on Tuesday, Meitei Leima president Longjam Premila urged for discussing about village volunteers who are defending Manipur from the attacks of Kuki narco-terrorists for more than a year now.

While demanding deportation of outsiders including Kukis who came to Manipur after 1951, she said that no action should be taken against the village volunteers or, else mothers of the land will take extreme steps.

Memorandums were submitted to BJP, Congress and NPP and will also petition the Prime Minister and the union Home Minister, she added.

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