In a historic moment, seven women shaved their heads in a symbolic protest against the government and took out a cycle rally from Awang Sekmai to Kangla on Friday, demanding the authorities to protect the indigenous people and territorial integrity of Manipur.
The women and scores of followers who took part in the rally also demanded authorities to resolve the year-long conflict which has plagued the state.
The seven women are Ch Sopita, Kh Inaobi, M Shanti, M Ibenou, Kh Sobita, Th Nanao and Kh Premlata led by volunteers of KYDO, Awang Sekmai. Upon reaching Kangla, the seven women paid their respects and prayed at all the sacred sites located inside Kangla.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the event afterwards, one of the women, Chingtham Subita, expressed discontentment with the Central and state government’s alleged neglect to resolve the crisis.
“What are they doing? Are they planning to keep the conflict stoked and watch the people suffer?” she asked.
She highlighted that the conflict, which has completed a year, had claimed thousands of innocent lives and displaced many in their own state. Even at this crucial juncture, the authorities are more concerned about their political positions instead of addressing the issue, she added.
She pointed out that the seven women resorted to shaving off their hairs to signify the sufferings of the people in the state who are surviving on sheer hope and grit.
“Shaving off a woman’s hair is viewed as taboo and unimaginable in the Manipuri culture,” she said. She further stated that the women would resort to other intense agitations if the rally failed to draw the attention of the authorities in resolving the conflict.
