IT News
Imphal, Nov 23:
A sit-in protest was held today at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall, organized by Taragi Cheisu, in response to the killing of six civilians by Kuki militants in Jiribam. The protestors, including senior citizens and several organizations, condemned the heinous acts, with Khaidem Mani, a prominent leader of Taragi Cheisu and former Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, addressing the gathering.
Khaidem Mani condemned the brutal murders, citing reports that women and an 8-year-old girl were raped by Kuki militants before being killed. Their bodies were later discovered in the Barak River, he said, calling it a severe violation of humanitarian principles. The protesters demanded immediate justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators.
Retired police officer Thangjam Brojen also spoke at the protest, stressing that merely increasing the presence of central forces would not resolve the ongoing violence. He urged that the forces be used strategically to address the crisis effectively.
Brojen expressed concern over the diminishing role of state institutions and called on the authorities to reassert control to halt the violence. In response to questions about the deployment of additional forces, he questioned the lack of a clear strategic plan. He also criticized the reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police stations, pointing out that AFSPA had been in effect in other parts of the state without resolving the crisis. He suggested that proper policies and initiatives could address the conflict without the need for AFSPA.
