IT News
Imphal, Sept 6:
Braving the scorching summer heat, hundreds of students and locals took to the streets today, forming human chains across key locations in Imphal to protest against the central forces and the government’s failure to contain the 15-month-long crisis in Manipur. Demonstrators, including women’s groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), and concerned citizens, voiced their dissatisfaction, accusing the central paramilitary forces of complicity in recent violence.
The protests follow a tragic incident on September 1, when armed Kuki militants bombed the village of Koutruk in Imphal, resulting in the death of a 31-year-old mother and leaving dozens injured, including her young daughter. The use of drones equipped with bombs has heightened tensions in the region, with locals expressing growing frustration over the government’s inability to curb escalating violence.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent civil society group, has taken an aggressive stance, demanding immediate action against those responsible for the attack. COCOMI has alleged that the drone attack was launched from a nearby camp of the central paramilitary forces, further fueling the anger among locals. The group warned that a series of intensified agitations would follow if the security forces failed to arrest and punish those involved in the bombing.
The protesters, gathered at key locations such as Keishamthong, Elangbam Leikai, Ukhrul Road, Uripok-Kangchup Road, Sogolband Tera Road, Khuyathong Road, Tiddim Road, Porompat Road, Khurai Lamlong and Lamphel, chanted slogans like “Go back Central forces” and “Long live Manipur” during the one-hour protest from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The human chain, a peaceful demonstration, was intended to send a strong message to both the central and state governments about the people’s growing discontent over the prolonged crisis.
Lawyers of the state too form human chain in front of the Manipur High Court along the National Highway and joined the protest.
This latest wave of unrest has deepened concerns over the effectiveness of security measures in Manipur, with protesters highlighting what they perceive as a lack of accountability from the authorities. COCOMI has also demanded that the central government urgently address the worsening security situation and called for the complete withdrawal of paramilitary forces from areas where civilian lives are at risk.
As the crisis enters its 16th month, the state’s future remains uncertain, with civil society groups increasingly vocal about their demands for peace, justice, and accountability.
At Jiribam, in a powerful display of solidarity, citizens of Jiribam District gathered today to form a human chain, protesting the recent aerial bombings carried out by Kuki militants in Koutruk and other regions of Manipur. The demonstration, organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Jiribam branch, aimed to voice the community’s outrage and demand immediate action from the government.
The protest was ignited by a tragic incident on Sunday, which led to the death of a woman and left several others injured due to the indiscriminate bombings. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as, “Remove the central security forces if they are not able to protect the civilians,” and “Government, declare Kuki militants as terrorists.” They condemned the drone bombing as an act of terrorism, emphasizing that the Indian government’s perceived negligence towards the people of Manipur was unacceptable.
Senjam Sainik Kumar, Co-Convenor of COCOMI Jiribam District, spoke with media representatives during the event, highlighting the broader context of the protest. He stated, “This human chain is part of a mass protest organized by COCOMI throughout Manipur. In Jiribam, we are standing together at Gularthol (Samupunbi) to condemn the drone bombing by Kuki militants.” Kumar further reiterated the community’s demand for the government to officially classify the Kuki militants as terrorists, arguing that such recognition is crucial for the protection and safety of civilians in the region.
