In a fervent display of solidarity, women from various parts of Imphal took to the streets on Monday, blocking vehicular movements to protest the arrest of “five village volunteers” from the Kongba area of Imphal East on Saturday night.
The protesters have raised the demand for unconditional release of the detained volunteers who have been placed in police custody following their appearance before a judicial magistrate.
On the night of the arrests, a considerable number of agitators attempted to throng the Porompat police station. The situation escalated as security personnel responded by firing teargas shells, dispersing the protesters in a tense standoff.
The protests persisted into Sunday night at Kakwa area in Imphal West, and on Monday, it spread to different parts of the Imphal region. Commuters, including school students accompanied by their concerned parents, have been inconvenienced due to the roadblocks. Emergency services, such as ambulances, were permitted through the roadblocks to ensure essential medical care.
One of the women protestors passionately asserted, “We will continue the protest until our sons are released unconditionally. They are the ones who protect us from the Kuki militants.”
A release issued on Sunday by the Police Control Room stated that the five individuals were apprehended as a part of an effort to combat reports of extortion threats, misuse of police uniforms, and impersonation by armed miscreants.
The situation in Imphal East remained tense as protesters stand united in their demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained village volunteers.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and a peaceful resolution to the protests.
Meanwhile, a joint meeting of the All Kongba Road United United Clubs Organisation, Kuraomakhong United Club, Naharol Yaiphakhol held in Imphal West had called a 48 hours state-wide shutdown starting from the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, as a protest demanding unconditional release of the five arrest persons.
The meeting, while condemning the arrests, appealed to all concerned local bodies to take the necessary responsibility in their respective areas to support the shutdown.
Further course of action will be discussed if the government failed to release the arrested five village volunteers, the meeting decided.
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