Most roads deserted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19 2023:
All major roads in Imphal wore almost deserted looks on Wednesday with only some vehicles plying as Government imposed a total curfew in all districts dominated by Meiteis and the Kukis.
The decision against relaxing curfew was taken following a high-level security meeting last night chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh as Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace (KIKJCCFP) called for a massive protest in Imphal today.
All shops at major areas such as Khwairamband Keithel, Thangal Keithel, Paona Keithel, Khoya-thong junction, Keishampat junction, Tiddim Road, Wahengbam Leikai stretch, Chingmeirong road, Sagolband-Tera Road and Uripok stretch, Nagamapal stretch, Singjamei and Kakwa stretch etc were seen closed other than some pharmacies.
The proposed rally of KIKJCCFP also didn't take place as Rapid Action Force (RAF) and State police took up tight security measures at all strategic locations such as RIMS road, Singjamei Keithel, Keishampat junction to name a few.
Security forces also placed barricades near Chingmeirong Khongnang Ani Karak and prevented people from heading towards the North AOC side.
Meanwhile, a number of women took out a protest rally at Khabam Lamkhai, Sangakpham, Chingmeirong near Eastern Motors along National Highway-2 Imphal-Dimapur road.
The demonstrators demanded that there shouldn't be separate administration in Manipur and the Government should convene a special session of the State Assembly soon, abolish narco-terrorism from Manipur and implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) .
Similar protest was also seen at Ahallup, Sangakpham, Lei Ingkhol and Laipham Khunou wherein a large number of women came out and raised slogans to keep Manipur's territorial unity intact without creating separate administration.