Keeping in line with CSOs clarion call to protect Manipur’s territorial integrity at all cost, sit-in protests were staged at several locations across Imphal on Saturday.
The protesters demanded both the Central and state governments to implement NRC in Manipur, include Meitei/Meetei in the Schedule Tribe list, disqualify the 10 Kuki MLAs and suspend the SoO with Kuki militants.
Placards which reads, ‘Go Back Chin Kuki separatist foreigners’, ‘rein in rogue Kuki militants’ and ‘protect territorial integrity of Manipur’ were raised in the protests.
On Saturday, the sit-ins protests were held at Singjamei Parking, Liwa Pukhri Achouba Mapal, Nongpok Ingkhol Pureiromba Leikai, Uripok Ahanthem Leikai, Ningthoukhongjam Leikai and several other locations.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the protest at Uripok Ahanthem Leikai, Hodam Memi devi lambasted the 10 Kuki MLAs “for betraying the trust of the people,” stating that they should have spearheaded the movement in mending the bond between the two communities.
“Instead of helping the state they chose to run away to Mizoram and garner political support for their whimsical demand; they should stay and never return because not an inch of land will be given to foreigners,” she said.
She also expressed disappointment with the state government’s alleged silence on the matter and maintained that the 60 MLAs were elected to fight tooth and nail to protect Manipur and its indigenous communities.
She further mentioned that leaders are those who lead their people through thick and thin. But that quality is lacking in our present leaders, she added.
“If the government wants to avoid another June 18 uprising, they should tread according to the pulse of the people,” she said.
She pointed out that all hell would break loose if the militant attacks against innocent civilians and the ploy to usurp Manipur’s territory is dragged on any further.
Meanwhile, the protesters at Pureiromba Leikai cautioned the government that the people from all corners would rise if no suitable actions were taken to resolve the tension and fulfil the demands of the people.
