Police reportedly directed the cessation of the ongoing agitation demanding free movement along the national highways, organized jointly by the Awang Sekmai Kanba Nupi Lup and Imagi Meira, and supported by the People’s Progressive Alliance Manipur (PPAM). The protest, which began four days ago at Sekmai Bazar, coincides with the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to the media, Imagi Meira leader Th. Sujata said that the visit of the Prime Minister is being perceived as unnecessary by both the public and the meira paibi. She noted that despite police intervention, more than 300 women participated in today’s peaceful sit-in, reiterating their demand for free movement of all communities along the national highways.
Placards displayed at the protest conveyed strong messages, including: “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 Militants: Stop Terrorism!!!”, and “Kuki Militants: Stop Looting Highways!!!”.