IT News
Imphal, Nov 15:
Shopkeepers from Mayang Imphal Bangoon Maning in Imphal West district shut down their establishments today and staged a protest against the unbearable monetary demands made by various organizations and the recent abduction of six civilians, including three minors, in Jiribam. The protest was organized by the Mayang Imphal Bangoon Maning Dukan Committee.
Phundreimayum Tamijur Rahaman, Secretary of the committee, addressed the media, highlighting the struggles faced by the people due to the ongoing crisis in Manipur. He stated that the prolonged turmoil has severely impacted businesses in the Bangoon area, leaving shopkeepers in dire straits. Despite assisting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in whatever way they can, the shopkeepers are now overwhelmed by monetary demands from various organizations, which have made their lives even more difficult.
Rahaman appealed to these organizations to withdraw their demands, stressing the urgent need for relief. “Shopkeepers, who are already struggling to make ends meet, are now burdened with demands that they cannot afford. These demands are only adding to the existing hardships,” he said.
The protesters expressed solidarity with the six abducted civilians in Jiribam and condemned the act. Rahaman strongly criticized the recent incident in which Kuki militants abducted six individuals, including three minors, in Jiribam, calling it a result of prolonged lawlessness. He demanded immediate action to secure the release of the victims and urged the government to act decisively to prevent such atrocities.
He further lamented the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, which has persisted for the past 18 months, and called for a comprehensive resolution to Manipur’s ongoing crisis. “Manipur must emerge as a peaceful and united state. It is time for all communities to work together to end this prolonged suffering,” he said.
The protest highlighted the dual challenges faced by the shopkeepers: the economic hardship caused by the crisis and the pressure from unjust demands, both of which have compounded the difficulties of their lives and livelihoods.
