Pandemonium prevailed in Thoubal on Wednesday as Meira paibis of the district took to the streets protesting the recent abrupt transfer of Thoubal District Police SP Sachidananda Soibam and appointment of one Rakesh Balwa as the new SP.
According to sources, meira paibis and womenfolk carried out mass protests in various areas across the district. A mob reportedly stormed Thoubal DC Office to meet DC Ahanthem Subash around 3 pm.
Upon receiving information of the uproar, Thoubal DC Ahanthem Subash met with some representatives and heard their grievances. The mob reportedly calmed after the DC gave assurance to book an appointment for the meira paibis with the chief minister once he returns to Imphal from Delhi.
Speaking to the media after meeting the DC, one Meira Paibi Okram Sorodhoni, condemned the recent sudden transfer of the Thoubal SP and appointment of a non-local as the new SP amid the prevailing tense situation in the state, adding that the locals of the district are not acquainted with a totally different language.
She further sought understanding of the new non-Manipuri officer, urging him not to take the people wrongly as they only want a Meitei to be posted in the district. She maintained that the meira paibis have highlighted their grievances and demands to the DC, adding that the DC had assured to arrange a meeting with the chief minister.
Many women vendors of Thoubal, Wangjing and Lamding markets also ceased work and joined the protest demonstrations. Protestors displayed various placards which read ‘Do not cause fresh tensions inThoubal district’, ‘Prevent violence in Thoubal District’ etc.,
Meanwhile, members of 14-clubs and meira paibi co-ordinating committee of 5 villages, an apex body of villages in Charangpat, Thoubal district, namely Charangpat, Nepra company, Bengi, Thokchom and Icham Khunou also convened a public meeting regarding the appointment of a non-Manipuri officer as Thoubal district’s new SP.
Speaking at the meet held at Charangpat Mamang Leikai, convenor of the committee’s women wing, Meishnam Manglembi made a fervent appeal to the state and home department to refrain from frequent transfers of district SPs amid the tough times facing the people owing to the ongoing communal conflict in the state.
She also expressed discontentment over the appointment of a non-Manipuri officer as the new SP of Thoubal district. Such is an attempt to disrupt peace and harmony in the district, she alleged, and urged the government to withdraw the transfer order of the Thoubal SP.
It may be stated that the transfer order issued by joint secretary (DP) Laishram Radhakanta on Monday for transfer of Thoubal district SP Sachidananda Soibam has sparked widespread condemnations from the locals. As many as 50 various organisations of Thoubal district had also submitted a memorandum to the DC demanding to cancel transfer of the Thoubal SP.
