In a powerful display of resistance, women in Imphal took to the streets on Sunday, leading a fiery torch rally to protest against the ongoing violence in the state. The demonstrators, primarily women, voiced their frustration with the BJP-led central government, demanding immediate action to bring peace to the region.
Women Lead Torch Rally, Demand Manipur Government Action
The protest rally, which saw women carrying torches through the streets of Imphal, marked a significant moment in the ongoing crisis in Manipur. The state has been grappling with escalating violence for over a year, with no resolution in sight. The protesters called on the central government to intervene and take immediate steps to halt the bloodshed that has claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands.
Seram Rojesh, convener of the Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee, voiced his concerns earlier in the day, condemning the escalating violence. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and address the situation directly. “The violence is only growing, and the lack of attention from the central government is alarming,” Rojesh stated during a public address, calling for swift intervention before the crisis spirals further out of control.
Chief Minister Biren Singh Offers Condolences, Announces Compensation
As the violence continued to claim lives, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the family of Ngangbam Surbala Devi, who was killed in the Koutruk area. Singh expressed his condolences on social media, acknowledging that no financial assistance could ever replace a lost life. “However, it is our duty to stand by the affected families during these dark times,” Singh added.
Recent violence has further destabilized the region. On Sunday, Kuki militants reportedly launched long-range rocket attacks on civilian areas, leading to the death of RK Rabei, a 78-year-old resident of Bishnupur. Six others were injured in the attack, raising tensions in the conflict-ridden state. The Manipur Police confirmed the casualties, prompting a swift response from the local administration.
Governor Meets with CM Biren Singh and MLAs Amid Rising Tensions
In light of the escalating violence, Chief Minister Biren Singh held an emergency meeting with Governor L Acharya and 18 MLAs, including several key ministers. The meeting, which took place on Sunday, focused on the deteriorating situation and potential solutions to the ongoing ethnic conflict. Sources indicate that the Chief Minister submitted a memorandum to the Governor, proposing a series of steps to restore peace in the state.
Following the violent attacks in Bishnupur, the district magistrate implemented strict emergency measures to prevent further unrest. The restrictions include banning gatherings of more than five people and prohibiting the carrying of weapons in the affected areas. These measures aim to curb further violence and maintain order as tensions continue to rise in the region.
While the content of the memorandum submitted by CM Biren Singh to the Governor remains undisclosed, sources close to the Chief Minister’s Office have hinted that Singh has outlined several strategies to address the ethnic hostilities plaguing the state. The Raj Bhavan has yet to issue a formal statement, leaving the public in suspense about the next steps the state government will take to quell the violence.
BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh Urges Withdrawal of Central Forces
In a surprising move, influential BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh, the son-in-law of CM Biren Singh, recently called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to withdraw the 60,000 central forces deployed in the state. Rajkumar Singh criticized the heavy deployment, claiming that it had failed to bring about peace and had instead exacerbated tensions. “The central forces are not yielding peace,” he remarked, adding that the situation in Manipur requires a different approach to bring about a lasting resolution.
The violence in Manipur is deeply rooted in ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. What started as sporadic clashes has now escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving the state divided along ethnic lines. The government’s inability to mediate between the warring communities has drawn criticism from local leaders, human rights activists, and the international community.
Calls for Prime Minister’s Intervention Amplify
The growing violence has intensified calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene in the crisis. Many believe that the presence of the Prime Minister in Manipur could bring much-needed attention to the issue and push forward a comprehensive solution. Civil society groups, political leaders, and residents have expressed their frustration at the central government’s perceived indifference to the escalating violence in the state.
The ongoing violence has taken a heavy toll on the people of Manipur. Thousands have been displaced, while many have lost their homes and livelihoods. The local economy has suffered as businesses remain shuttered, and tourism—a key source of income for the state—has come to a grinding halt. With no end to the violence in sight, residents are growing increasingly desperate for peace.
A Tense and Uncertain Future for Manipur
As the Manipur crisis deepens, the situation remains tense and uncertain. With women leading protests and local leaders pushing for government intervention, there is a growing demand for action at both the state and central levels. However, unless the central government steps in with a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of the ethnic conflict, the violence is likely to continue, further destabilizing the region.
Manipur stands at a critical juncture. Whether through dialogue, stronger governance, or community-led initiatives, the state needs immediate solutions to prevent further loss of life and to restore peace in the region.
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