Furious Uprising in Imphal: Unyielding Residents Rally Against Village Volunteers’ Arrest

Protests erupted across Imphal on Friday following the arrest of over ten village volunteers during a pre-dawn operation by security forces in Kakching district. These volunteers were reportedly members of the Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol, although official confirmation is pending. In response, Meira Paibis, women activists known for their role in social justice movements, gathered in large numbers, voicing slogans condemning the arrests. Protesters set fire to tyres and blocked roads, prompting police to intervene and extinguish the flames. The uproar extended to several districts including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal, where demonstrations led to the forced closure of shops and markets in areas like Wangkhei, Uripok, Thangmeiband, and Khurai.

A Meira Paibi spokesperson labeled the arrests as unjustified and demanded the immediate, unconditional release of those detained. This surge in civil unrest coincides with a recent call by Manipur Governor, Ajay Bhalla, urging citizens, especially the youth, to surrender any looted or illegally held weapons within seven days. In a bid to restore peace, the governor assured that no punitive action would be taken if weapons were returned within the timeframe. The initiative aims to mitigate the turmoil and communal tensions that have plagued Manipur for over 20 months, emphasizing the need for unity and the cessation of hostilities across communities.

Failure to comply with the governor’s directive will invite strict legal consequences, as authorities strive to reclaim normalcy and reinforce security. This appeal for the return of arms underscores the urgency of establishing lasting peace in the region, highlighting the detrimental impact of ongoing conflict on the state’s socio-economic fabric. The unfolding situation in Manipur is a critical test of collective will towards peaceful co-existence and stability.

Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/protests-break-out-in-imphal-over-arrest-of-village-volunteers-1568927
Category : North East,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-02-21 17:56:00