In a show of solidarity and condemnation against a heinous crime against two women in Manipur that shocked the nation, massive sit-in protests were held across the valley districts of Manipur on Friday, mostly led by women.
The protesters demanded exemplary punishment for all culprits involved in, what they referred to as, the "hideous crime".
The protest, organised by various local clubs and Meira Paibis without any instigation from any groups, expressed outrage and demanded justice for the two victims, who were made to parrade naked and sexually assaulted in a video that went viral on the internet.
While condemning the crime, the protesters also questioned the conspiracy behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi breaking his silence only after 77 days, focusing on a particular incident, leaving out all other acts of violence in the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
The protesters expressed disappointment that the larger issue of widespread violence and turmoil in the state had been overshadowed.
They urged all central and state leaders to address the root cause of the ongoing violence, which they identified as the presence of narco-terrorists in Manipur.
One such protest held at Tera Bazar in Imphal West, organised under the aegis of Tera Ideal Club, saw a Meira Paibi leader assert that the crime committed by miscreants has tarnished Manipur's image, a place where women are highly respected and considered as mothers.
She stressed the need for the government to ensure that all culprits are apprehended and awarded exemplary punishment to prevent such atrocities from recurring.
In another protest held at Singjamei Chingamakhong in Imphal West, Minister Y Khemchand was witnessed joining the protesters in their demand for justice.
He acknowledged that the crime had not only tarnished the image of Manipur but also attracted international attention.
The minister strongly condemned the crime and expressed concern over various other crimes that occurred during the crisis, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and damage to properties. The minister called for peace and stated that development is only possible when peace is restored, urging all individuals to take responsibility for the restoration of peace in Manipur.
Similar sit-in-protest was also held at Chingmeirong, Imphal East, under the aegis of Wangkhei Kendra Peace. Protesters occupied half of the median along the NH-2 stretch, demanding capital punishment for the culprits involved in the crime and appealing to the government for the early restoration of peace in the region.
The protests have sent a strong message to the authorities, urging them to take swift action against the perpetraters and address the larger issue of peace and security in the state.
