Meitei and Maring women of Pallel staged a sit-in protest at the Temporary Market in Pallel, Kakching district, today, condemning the recent killings at Nongshum and demanding justice for the victims.
The protest was organised by the Pallel Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, United Committee Pallel, Social Development Organisation and Youth Volunteers Association.
Speaking at the gathering, Kerolin Maring described the killings, which he attributed to Kuki militants, as completely unacceptable. He questioned how people could remain silent when ordinary citizens trying to earn their daily bread were being brutally killed. He also questioned whether the continued killing of indigenous people like animals could be considered “stability” by the government.
Kerolin urged the government not to act in a one-sided manner if it genuinely represented all communities. He reminded those in power that they the victims and their families deserved justice.
Romita Leimapokpam, Finance Secretary of the Pallel Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, said the Meitei and Maring communities of Pallel took the Nongshum incident seriously and strongly condemned the killings. Referring to the violence that began on May 3, 2023, she said numerous ordinary people had been brutally killed, but no lasting resolution had been achieved.
Questioning the purpose of a government that caused such immense suffering to the public, Romita said leaders unable to protect the people should resign. She added that the public no longer wanted a government incapable of stopping the repeated killings, but one that worked for public welfare and safeguarded the lives of ordinary citizens.
Following the sit-in, protesters took out a rally along the Imphal–Moreh Road, raising slogans including “We condemn the Nongshum killings,” “Withdraw the Suspension of Operation (SoO) from Kuki Terrorists,” “Arrest the killers immediately” and “Inefficient leaders must resign.”