People's Curfew against Assam Rifles : Womenfolk stage protest demonstrations widely
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, August 07 2023: Protest demonstrations were staged widely today by womenfolk as a part of 'People's Curfew Against the Assam Rifles' denouncing the atrocities meted out to Meira Paibis on August 3 last.

It may be recalled that the Meira Paibis were staging democratic protest against the proposed mass burial programme of slain Kukis at Torbung Bangla.

Participating in a sit-in staged today at Charangpat Mayai Leikai Imoinu Keithel organised by Charangpat Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, Meira Paibi leader Manglembi called upon the Kuki mothers to bring an end to the ongoing communal strife to prevent the loss of more innocent and precious lives.

People's Curfew against Assam Rifles : Womenfolk stage protest demonstrations widely

In connection with the incident at Torbung Bangla on August 3, Manglembi said, 'We strongly condemn the brutality of Assam Rifles towards the Meira Paibis who were trying to stop the mass burial programme at Torbung Bangla' .

In view of the above, an FIR will be filed against the Assam Rifles, she said.

Alleging that Assam Rifles of being way too lenient upon one community and standing as mere mute spectators on their agitation, she demanded the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the State.

Later the protestors also observed two-minute silence in the honour of the martyrs who laid down their lives to safeguard their Motherland.

Joining in the call for removal of Assam Rifles from the State, All Yairipok Apunba Ima Lup staged a rally passing in front of 33 Assam Rifles Post at Thoubal Tomjing and raised many slogans urging the removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur.

Similar protests were also held at Thoubal Leishangthem Bazar organised by Leishangthem Apunba Lup (LAL) and Thoubal Ningombam Keithel organised by Thoubal Ningombam Apunba Meira Paibi Lup.

Placards which read 'Withdraw Assam Rifles from Manipur', 'We Condemn brutality of Assam Rifles', 'Go Back Assam Rifles' etc were used by the protestors.

In the wake of frequent incidents of looting arms and ammunition from State forces, a protest was staged at Nongpok Ningthou Panthoibi Shanglen community hall at Nongpok Ingourok urging all concerned to refrain from looting arms from State forces.

The protestors also strongly demanded Assam Rifles from the State.

Meetei/Meitei Community Joint Co-ordinating Committee, Waithou to Kiyam, Kiyam Siphai, Haokha and Thoubal Khunou and Women Wing also demanded all concerned to take up immediate measures to withdraw Assam Rifles from the State.