Manipur's women vendors protest against drone attacks, demand government's accountability

Women vendors from Khwairambandh Ima Keithel took to the streets today, September 3 to protest the recent drone attacks on Meitei residential areas, allegedly carried out by Kuki militants. The attacks, which have claimed the life of a 31-year-old woman and injured her daughter, among others, have sparked widespread outrage across Manipur.

The protestors, predominantly women, marched towards the Chief Minister’s Bungalow, demanding immediate government intervention and a response to the escalating violence. “What is the government doing? Why is the new governor of the state silent when Kuki militants are bombarding villages using drones?” shouted one of the protestors, capturing the collective frustration.

Ibeyaima, a member of the Khwairamband Keithel Apunba Nupi, voiced the community’s deep anguish, condemning the state government’s inaction. “We cannot tolerate this genocidal mission. Drone attacks are instruments of war, and yet, they are being used against our villages. The silence of the state government in the face of such fierce assaults is unacceptable,” she declared.

The protest reached a flashpoint near the Gambhir Singh Market complex on BT Road, where police forces intervened to stop the march. Tensions escalated as the women confronted the police, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attacks. The protesters vowed to intensify their movement unless the government takes decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators and end the violence.

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