Manipur is on edge as tensions rise following rallies in Kuki-Zo dominated regions, particularly Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, demanding the ouster and arrest of Chief Minister N Biren Singh in view of the ‘leaked’ tapes.
In response, a counter cease-work strike was launched in the valley districts by a valley-based CSO Meitei Leima.
Organised by the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), the rally saw Kuki-Zos taking to the streets in protest against the controversial audio tape allegedly involving Chief Minister N Biren Singh, particularly in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.
The unrest did not stop there as tensions flared further when unknown miscreants torched the house of BJP spokesperson Michael Lamjathang Haokip in Peniel Village of Churachandpur district.
This attack follows another incident on August 25, when ML Haokip was targeted after participating in a local news channel programme under the topic, “Kuki Supremacy and Its Agenda.”
As a consequence of the rally, shops, establishments and institutions in the Kuki dominated hill districts remain operational.
Concurrently, in response to the rally, a cease work strike in Manipur’s valley districts brought daily life to a standstill, impacting businesses, schools, and institutions across the region.
Most of the markets, shops including Ima Keithel, schools and institutions remained closed; attendance in offices was also reportedly thin.
Numbers of vehicles plying on the roads were also reduced.
As there were no signs of any protestors, the strike in the valley districts remained largely peaceful with no reports of untoward incidents.
Additionally, media persons are not able to get in touch with the members of Meitei Leima who called the strike in valley districts.
However, in the hill districts of Manipur dominated by the Naga normal activities were not hampered, as Naga-based CSOs had banned any sorts of rallies in their area.
On Friday, the Manipur government authorities had issued directives for shops, private institutions, and educational establishments to remain open, aiming to mitigate the disruption caused by the rally and strike.
Our Correspondent added that the Kuki-Zo community in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi district rallied on Saturday against the leaked tape allegedly involving CM Biren and also demanding the expedited formation of Union Territory with the legislature.
The rally was part of the nationwide rally organized by the Kuki Students’ Organisation against the leaked tape allegedly involving CM Biren in relation to the ongoing crisis.
It was supported and endorsed by various tribe organisations, including Thadou Students’ Association, Zillai, Gangte Students’ Organisation, CoTU, SAHILCA, etc.
A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister was submitted through the District Commissioner (DC) of Kangpokpi.
All business establishments, and private institutions including schools were closed during the protest rally while Government institutions were partially affected.
In Churachandpur, it was held at two locations - one at Lamka Football Ground where a sit-in-protest was held and the other, a mass rally between Leisang to Wall of Remembrance, Tuibong.
At Lamka Football ground, the sit-in-protest was held under the aegis of Joint Student Body, Lamka while the rally was led by Student Bodies, Lamka where thousands shouted slogans such as, “ We want freedom from Manipur”,’ Biren Singh, down down!” etc.
At the Lamka football ground, the protestors displayed a banner that read, “Protest against state sponsor ethnic cleansing”. There, the chairman of Zomi Council, Vumsuan Naulak, said that the Zo descendents had never surrendered to the Meeteis since time immemorial and that no one should take their patience as weakness.
With regards to the leaked audio, Vumsuan Naulak said it will be investigated by a competent authority and the truth will be revealed. Meanwhile, Zomi Mother’s Association president Chingngaihdon said that the leaked audio was not acceptable as parading naked women was the worst form of rape which CM Biren Singh, shound know as the father of the state.
At the Mini Secretariat, a memorandum was submitted by student bodies which was received by the DC of Churachandpur.
No untoward incident was reported except some people trying to attack a passing vehicle which happened due to the fact that no vehicles were allowed to ply. No shops nor other institutions, of any kind, were opened.
