Thoubal and Kakching districts witnessed widespread outrage, condemnations and protest on Saturday following the gruesome killing of a woman and two children including an eight-month-old infant by Kuki militants in Jiribam, Manipur.
In response, an apex body comprising 18 clubs spanning Chandrakhong to Thoubal Kshetri Leikai convened an emergency meeting and resolved to shut down all government offices in the region indefinitely, exempting essential services such as fire services, electricity, water, and healthcare.
Markets across the districts, including Thoubal Market, Yairipok Market, Wangjing Lamding Market, and Kakching Market, were closed as a mark of protest against the killings. Shops and other commercial establishments also ceased operations in solidarity.
The apex body issued a strong statement condemning the killings and demanding justice for the victims.
They called for the immediate withdrawal of arms from state forces, asserting their readiness to safeguard the state independently.
The group also demanded the resignation of all MLAs and ministers, the repeal of AFSPA, and a return to pre-merger status for Manipur, citing the central government’s failure to resolve the ongoing crisis.
In Thoubal district, Meira Paibis staged protests demanding justice for the victims, while teachers and students of Morning Bell Kid’s Foundation in Khangabok Part 2 Maisnam Leikai held demonstrations with placards which read as ‘Save Children and Civilians,’ ‘Don’t Harass the Public,’ and other messages decrying the state government’s inaction.
In Kakching, a public meeting was convened to denounce the attack on Meitei civilians by Kuki militants. Seven prominent organisations from the district criticised both the state and central governments for their inability to restore peace and demanded swift action to apprehend the culprits.
The organisations condemned the recent abduction of six civilians in the presence of security forces from Jiribam and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killings.
They further called on Kakching’s MLAs to publicly declare their stance on the issue within 48 hours, warning of a public boycott if their demands were ignored.
A memorandum addressed to the President, Prime Minister, and Manipur Chief Minister demanded clarification on Manipur’s status within India, urging a response within 48 hours.
