Manipur continues to burn over Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016

Guwahati, February 13, 2019:

Anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Bill have been cast a shadow over the state of Manipur, and Chief Minister N Biren Singh, despite belonging to the BJP, has urged Home Minister Rajnath Singh not to table the Bill at the Rajya Sabha.

Visuals from last night show that the protests have only caught more fire on the streets of Manipur as hundreds of protesters took to the streets to stage a torchlight protest. Tires were burned in the late hours of the night and innumerable mothers and daughters of Manipur also took part in the torchlight display. Women have played a major role in the protests against the Bill in the state and they have also slept on the streets of the iconic Ima Keithel market as a mark of protest. Things took an ugly turn, though, when some of the ladies were injured after authorities fired tear gas and mock bombs to disperse them.

The Government has taken many steps to discourage protesters, including banning footage of the protests on television as well as banning mobile/internet data for 5 days. But despite these efforts, many civil societies and student organization under the aegis of MANPAC (Manipur People against Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016) continue observing protests despite curfew that is being imposed in the state.

Meanwhile, the Bill is expected to be moved by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the Rajya Sabha today, as per the 'Legislative Business' list.