Imphal: Across valley districts in Manipur, a widespread human chain protest unfolded on Thursday, demanding the removal of Kuki ‘narco terrorists’ from the state and the revocation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
Organised by the People’s Alliance for Peace and Progress Manipur (PAPPM), the protests commenced at various locations in the valley districts from 2 pm to 3 pm.
Addressing media representatives during the protest at Ima Keithel, PAPPM president Mayanglambam Bobby emphasised that the demonstrations aimed to highlight the Kuki-Zo people’s alleged attempts to manipulate and distort Manipur’s history, culture, and boundaries.
“They (Kuki-Zo) seek to claim land from Manipur, which is a part of India, to establish their own country, which they call Kukiland,” alleged Bobby.
Throughout the protest, numerous businesses remained closed in solidarity with the mass human chain demonstrations in valley districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal.
Hundreds of women vendors at the renowned Ima Keithel also joined the mass demonstration, advocating for the complete removal of the Kuki-Zo community from the state and the replacement of Assam Rifles with other central forces.
Protestors echoed slogans such as ‘Go back Kuki-narco-terrorists’, ‘Save Manipur, Save India’, ‘Long Live Manipur’, ‘Go back double standard Assam Rifles’, ‘Abrogate Suspension of Operation with Kuki terrorists’, and ‘Deport illegal Kuki immigrants’, among others.
“This protest represents not just our voice but the voice of the entire Manipur. The crisis initiated by the Kuki-Zo people since May 3 last year has displaced thousands from their communities, resulting in burnt houses and loss of lives. However, our Prime Minister has remained silent on the Manipur crisis,” remarked Nirmala, a woman vendor at Ima Keithel.
Expressing concern for the future of the youth, Nirmala lamented the impact on Meiteis’ prospects, with many abandoning studies and professions to join the battlefield in defense of Manipur’s land and people.
Highlighting the central government’s utilization of taxes paid by Meiteis on central security forces, Nirmala accused these forces of targeting Meiteis with violence.
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“We demand an end to atrocities against the Meiteis, who are a peaceful people, and a swift resolution to the situation. We seek peaceful coexistence among all indigenous people of the state without compromising its integrity,” she added.
Similar large-scale protests were observed across various parts of Imphal city, aiming to draw attention to the central government for a prompt resolution to the prolonged unrest in the state.
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