Raising allegations of biasness, women protesters on Monday demanded the removal of paramilitary forces from Manipur, while chanting the slogan, ‘Go Back Assam Rifles’ at a districtwide protest in Thoubal district.
Khongjom Circle Meira Paibis also staged a sit-in protest, demanding the removal of Assam Rifles from the state at Khongjom community hall and chanted various slogans.
Taking part in the protest, Khongjom Circle Meira Paibi leader Laishram Tombiton condemned the AR personnel for their alleged actions against the Meira paibis.
She alleged that on August 3 at Phougakchao Mayai Leikai, AR took excessive action against Meira paibis by firing guns and tear gas shells.
She further accused them of even using chemical spray to disperse the crowd which were trying to approach Torbung Bangla. Many Meira Paibis sustained injuries in the incident and are being treated at hospitals, she added.
An injured woman, Thokchom Muhini Devi, 44, from Khangabok, who took part in the protest said, “All the women would have succumbed to injuries if the state forces were not present there”.
She questioned the government why the state forces are deprived of using their allotted arms and also questioned if a different rule has been set in the hill districts of the state. She also strongly condemned CM Biren for being silent on the prevailing ethnic clash.
Khangabok Cherapur leikai Meira Paibis also staged a sit in protest demanding the removal of AR from Manipur at the locality’s community hall. The protest also condemned the Kwakta killing by Kuki militants.
