Pangal community form human chains, take out torch rallies with calls for peace
Source: The Sangai Express

Thb/Bpr, June 22 2023: Under the supervision of All Manipur Muslim Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) many from the Pangal community staged torch rallies in various areas raising cries to uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The United Meitei Pangal Clubs Organisation (UMPCO) Andro Kendra organised a mass torch rally last night wherein, hordes of brethren from seven villages of the Pangal community formed human chains and shouted slogans.

Torch rallies and human chains were formed at Ngariyan Pangal, Tulihal-Toubokpi, Top-Laikon, Ningthounai, Changamdabi, Malom etc.

At Top-Laikon, Ningthounai, Changamdabi and Malom the protestors held slogans with inscriptions such as "We want peace", "Long live Manipur", "Resolve the manipur conflict", "No divide between hills and valley", "We oppose divide and rule policy of India Government" etc.

Pangal community form human chains, take out torch rallies with calls for peace

Under the aegis of UMPCO Andro Kendra and Ngariyan local clubs, the rallyists at Andro walked up to Andro PS.

Speaking by the sideline of the protest, Salim Azad, general secretary, UMPCO Andro Kendra stated that the Pangal community has resolved to play a vital role in restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur.

Expressing solidarity with those who lost their loved ones and their valuable properties in the midst of the ongoing violence, Salim Azad conveyed that the Pangal community is greatly disturbed by the silence of the Central Government.

He asserted that the Pangal community will oppose any decision that could pose a threat to the integrity of Manipur and added that Pangal community leaders must be included among the stakeholders consulted before the Indian Government arrives at any decision regarding the conflict.

Similarly, UMPCO Wangkhem Kendra, which is a conglomeration of 20 Pangal local clubs organised a protest demonstration where thousands stepped out of their homes to form human chains at Phouden, Wangkhem Muslim, Singa, Bamol Leikai Kekru, Sikhong, Heitroipokpi, Hayelabuk, Shikhong, Heitroipokpi, Hayellabuk, Malom, Keibung and Leitanpok and raised many slogans.

Protestors stood on either side of Thoubal Kasom Khullen Road from Phoudel to Wangkhem with torches in their hands and raised slogans for peace.

Locals of Yairipok Singa also joined the torch rally and formed a human chain while residents of Yairipok Bamol Leikai and Yairipok Kekru came out in droves at Yairipok Bazar in protest.

In this regard, Singamayum Riyajuddin, general secretary, UMPCO Wangkhem Kendra condemned the Prime Minister for his silence and not granting an audience to the delegates from Manipur who went to Delhi to meet him.

"How can the Prime Minister deliver a global message for peace when he has remained mute as a corner of the nation has burned for 40+ days?", he questioned in shock.

This makes us question if the Indian Government sees the people of Manipur as third class citizens with no value, he maintained.

Separately, in view of the prevailing crisis, Coordination Committee Bishnupur Muslim Leikai Ward No 2 also organised a torch rally yesterday night in Bishnupur district.

The torch rally was flagged off from Bishnupur Muslim Leikai, passed through Tongjel Maril and culminated at Bishnupur Keithel.