IT News
Imphal, June 24:
The Khwairamband Ima Keithel Coordinating Committee for Peace organized a sit-in protest at Nupi Keithel, sacrificing a day’s earnings to demand the restoration of peace in Manipur. The committee called for the punishment of the State Home Minister, the Director General of Police, and the Superintendent of Police, rather than targeting village defense volunteers. They accused these officials of failing to issue proper orders, fulfill their duties, and protect the citizens. This alleged negligence has resulted in the loss of many lives, the burning of homes, numerous injuries, and the displacement of over 50,000 people.
Laishram Mema, Convenor of the Khwairamband Ima Keithel Coordinating Committee for Peace, stated, “The responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of the public lies with the state government, the Home Minister, the Director General of Police, and the Superintendents of Police. Their failure to perform their duties has forced the youth to take up arms as village defense volunteers to protect the state. So, why are the security forces planning to arrest these youths?” Her comments come in the context of security forces being deployed in various areas of the state, initiating combing operations, and attempting to arrest village defense volunteers.
The committee members, numbering around 500 women vendors from the Khwairamband Keithel, strategically organized the protest to coincide with the first session of Parliament beginning today in New Delhi. By demonstrating on this significant day, the protesters aimed to capture the attention of the Government of India. They presented three key demands: the immediate restoration of peace, the refusal to grant a separate administration to any community, and the cessation of actions against those protecting the people of Manipur as village defense volunteers.
Mema underscored that Manipur was an independent princely state before it merged with India through an agreement. She asserted, “We urge the Government of Manipur and the Indian Government not to cede even an inch of land to illegal immigrants. If such plans are pursued, we will have no choice but to demand Manipur be recognized as an independent region separate from India. The Indian Government must not make any decision that involves giving any part of Manipur’s land to the Kuki community.”
Her remarks reflect the deep-seated concerns and sentiments of the people of Manipur regarding the preservation of their land and autonomy.
The protest at Nupi Keithel thus stands as a powerful statement against perceived governmental neglect and the potential fragmentation of their state. The demonstrators’ sacrifice of a day’s earnings highlights their commitment to the cause, as they press for immediate and decisive action to address their demands.
She continued, “The Indian Government has yet to take any concrete steps to control the violence. They have remained silent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not commented on the current issue. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited, made empty promises to appease the situation, and then left, promising to return but did not. Despite all this, not a single MLA in the State Government has had the courage to resign from their position or their party, the BJP.”
In her concluding remarks, Mema stated, “If Narendra Modi feels compelled to allocate land to the Kuki community, he can do so in his home state of Gujarat. Similarly, if Home Minister Amit Shah wishes to grant land, he can offer it from his own state, but not from Manipur.”
These statements underscore the frustration and disillusionment with both state and central governments. The lack of decisive action and the perceived indifference of the authorities have exacerbated the tensions and grievances in Manipur. The protest at Nupi Keithel is not just a plea for peace but a powerful critique of political inaction and a demand for accountability. By calling out the top leaders and suggesting alternative solutions, Mema and the committee highlight their determination to protect their land and their rights.
The violence in Manipur has persisted for over 14 months, and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh appears incapable of taking effective action beyond condemning criminals and making appeals for peace. No concrete measures have been observed in recent days, leading critics to label him a “Facebook hero” rather than a leader of substance. The women protesters have lost faith in Biren-led state government, viewing him as more concerned with retaining his position than with genuinely working to restore peace. Biren and other lawmakers are accused of issuing contradictory statements, creating confusion among the populace in an attempt to give the illusion of an active government.
Despite frequent trips to Delhi and other parts of the state, Biren’s efforts have yielded no positive results. As people continue to die and protesters demand peace, he remains in his bungalow, protected by security forces. This detachment has only intensified the public’s disillusionment. Never before in Manipur’s history has a Chief Minister been so restricted, unable to enter many districts of the state. This unprecedented situation underscores the extent of the crisis and the perceived inadequacy of the current administration’s response.