Demanding state authorities to ease the tension between state forces and some village volunteer groups, scores of women protested by forming a human chain along the NH-102 stretch from Kakwa to Lilong Arapti, Imphal on Friday.
The protestors demanded state forces not to intentionally target village volunteers during the tumultuous period in Manipur as it could lead to detrimental repercussions.
Hundreds along the road held placards urging authorities to douse the tension and swiftly resolve the issue to focus on the bigger issue at hand. They also demanded central authorities to approve the abrogation of SoO.
The protest was jointly staged by All Kyamgei Nupi Chaokhat Thourang Lup, Committee of Forward clubs Thongju, Apunba Meira Paibi Lup Thongju, All Lilong chajing club organization, Apunba Lilong Chajing Meira Paibi Lup, Urup Arapti Development Coordinating Committee, Apunba Urup Arapti Meira Paibi, Langthabal and Bashikhong Kongba Irong Apunba Meira Paibi Lup.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the event, convenor of Peace and Integrity Committee Kyamgei Ch Meghachandra appealed to all village volunteers to reclaim their duties and help in guarding the peripheral areas of Manipur.
“The state forces and village volunteers must work unitedly to protect the state’s integrity,” he said.
He further appealed to the state forces not to clamp down restrictions on village volunteers. “There are more important issues which need our attention such as the abrogation of SoO,” he said.
He demanded central authorities to approve the SoO abrogation and also questioned what the state government was going to do against the meddling 10 Kuki MLAs.
“The government must answer and also clarify on the status of the SoO which formally ended on February 29,” he said.
He further demanded authorities to act against the Central forces who allegedly approve of the poppy plantation in the hills.
He also highlighted that it would prove an immense task for state forces alone to guard the periphery.
“The vitality of village volunteers were showcased at such moments therefore they also have a huge role,” he said.
Meanwhile, president of All kyamgei Nupi chaokhat thourang Lup M Sobita asserted that the assembly must take a firm decision to resolve the crisis once and for all.
She also highlighted that the womenfolk in Manipur would not remain silent if state forces continue to target village volunteers and appealed to them to use their ‘might’ in apprehending Kuki Narco terrorists instead.
