The Indigenous People’s Organization Manipur (IPOM) launched protests on Sunday with sit-ins staged at Wangoo Naodakhong in Bishnupur district and Chairel Khunjao in Kakching district, demanding the state government to hold political dialogue with the various Meitei revolutionary groups to ensure the safety of the indigenous people.
IPOM along with local clubs and meira paibis of Chairel, Chandonpokpi, Tangjeng, Napat, Pangantabi, Khullakpat, Pombikhok, Thoubaltabi, Leingang, Mangjing, Nungoo and Wangoo Naodakhong resolved to launch the protest across the state. Meetings will also be held with the public regarding the same.
Speaking to media, IPOM president advocate Yumnam Devadata decried the attacks against the Meiteis and asserted that the same indicates that Meiteis are feeble and lagging far behind. He lamented that numerous houses and properties of the Meiteis have been burned and destroyed, all in the presence of the central forces and law enforcement agencies.
He pointed out that thousands of innocent Meiteis have been forcibly displaced by the conflict.
He asserted that IPOM launched the protest in demand for the government to hold necessary talks with the revolutionary outfits, so as to enable them to intervene on the issue but only to alleviate the suffering of the Meitei community and bring peace and normalcy in the state.
This does not imply or intend to offend the revolutionary groups and their principles nor obstruct their freedom movement, Devadata added.
Speaking on the sidelines, S Sanahan emphasized the importance of the protest launched by IPOM. He also voiced IPOM’s demand for the state government to hold political dialogue with the Meitei revolutionary groups to ensure the safety and security of the Meitei community.
Protesters displayed various placards which read ‘hold dialogue with revolutionaries’, ‘protect indigenous peoples’, ‘save territorial Integrity of Manipur’, etc during the sit-in.
Must Read: Vacancy in High Court
