Women in Lamka town demand total separation from Manipur, seek resolution for peace

Women in Lamka town on May 27 took to the streets, staging sit-in protests at four different locations, demanding total separation from Manipur. The gathering of women, armed with placards and banners, voiced their concerns over the ongoing violence plaguing the state.

Earlier in the day, the District level committee for rejuvenating co-existence organized a peaceful rally in Kakching district, located approximately 45 km from Imphal. The rally commenced from Sumak Leikai Kakching district and culminated at the District Commissioner Complex without any untoward incidents reported. Thousands of protestors participated in the rally, showing their solidarity for the cause.

The protesters emphasized that the abrogation of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki Militants is the only path to restore peace. They also demanded the detection and deportation of all illegal migrants from Manipur. Furthermore, they urged the establishment of a high-level fact-finding team to conduct a thorough inquiry into the violent acts that have transpired since May 3.

Following the protest, a memorandum comprising 10 charters of demand was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the deputy commissioner of Kakching. The demands put forth by the protesters include the immediate abrogation of SoO with Kuki Militants, the detection and deportation of illegal migrants, and the formation of a fact-finding team to investigate the recent violent incidents. The memorandum also emphasized the preservation of Manipur's territorial integrity and the enactment of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.

Other demands outlined in the memorandum focused on the restoration of peace and co-existence, providing proper settlement for displaced individuals, taking strong measures to combat poppy plantations and protect forest lands, and ensuring the safe passage of essential commodities along the state's National Highways.