The agitation demanding free movement along the national highways, jointly launched by Awang Sekmai Kanba Nupi Lup and Imagi Meira with support from the People’s Progressive Alliance Manipur (PPAM), entered its third day today at Sekmai Bazar. More than 300 women took part in a peaceful sit-in protest, calling for unhindered movement of all communities along the lifelines of the state.
Speaking to Imphal Times, Th. Sujata, president of Imagi Meira, expressed sharp criticism of the restrictions imposed by Kuki armed groups, which have prevented Meiteis from freely using the highways in the wake of the recent one-year extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. She described the situation as a grave human rights crisis, asserting that Manipur is under “siege” by SoO groups and that obstructing free movement amounts to a “slow genocide” of the people of the state.
When asked how long the protest would continue, Sujata said the agitation would end immediately if the central or state government made a clear declaration ensuring free movement for all communities, including the Meiteis, along the national highways.
She further raised concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Manipur, hinting at what she described as “a hidden agenda.” Sujata demanded that the Prime Minister should make a categorical assurance that India will safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity under all circumstances.
Some of the playcards displayed at the agitation includes: Genocide in Manipur Must End!, Break the Blockade, Save Lives!, Human Rights Are Not Optional in Manipur, No More Gaza-Like Siege in Manipur!, Protect the Indigenous – Stop Ethnic Cleansing!, Open the Highways – Movement Is a Right!, Stop Proxy War in Manipur!, Protect Our Children – Stop the Massacres!, Manipur Bleeds, The World Watches!, Abrogate SoO!, Kuki Militiants: Stop Terrorism!!!, Kuki Militants: Stop Looting Highways!!!, etc.