Chaotic Confrontation as Women Protesters Storm NPP Leader’s Home over Arrogant Arambai Tenngol Comments

Tensions Flare in Manipur as Women’s Rights Group Storms NPP President’s Residence

In the midst of escalating ethnic tensions in Manipur, dozens of women from the women’s rights group Apunba Manipur Emasing (AME) attempted to storm the residence of Yumnam Joykumar, president of the National People’s Party (NPP) Manipur unit, on Friday. The protesters, brandishing placards and banners, demanded an apology from Joykumar over his recent social media remarks that they deemed insensitive and hurtful towards the Meitei group Arambai Tenngol.

According to eyewitnesses, the situation was on the brink of turning violent before police intervention, allowing a small delegation of protesters to meet with Joykumar at his residence in Naoremthong, Imphal West. "Joykumar clarified that his initial statement on social media was a mistake, and he had since corrected it by replacing the term ‘Arambai’ with ‘civilians’," said a protester. However, this explanation fell on deaf ears, as the group refused to back down from their demand for a public apology.

The controversy surrounding Joykumar’s statement stems from his scathing criticism of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, accusing his government of mishandling the ongoing Kuki-Meitei ethnic conflict. In a series of social media posts, Joykumar alleged that the government had failed to protect lives and property, allowing violence to escalate. He further hurled accusations at Singh for dragging NPP founder P.A. Sangma’s name into the issue, and misrepresenting historical events related to the conflict. The NPP president’s outburst was met with a vehement response from the government, sparking heated debates on social media.

The National People’s Youth Front (NPYF), the youth wing of NPP Manipur, released a letter to Arambai Tenngol, acknowledging the misunderstanding caused by Joykumar’s statement and expressing regret. The letter reinforced the party’s support for Arambai Tenngol and village volunteers defending the state. While this move is seen as an attempt to placate the group, the issue remains contentious, with protests likely to continue until Joykumar issues a formal apology.

The crisis has exposed deep-seated tensions between NPP and the ruling BJP-led government, with both sides trading barbs on social media. The failure to address the issue amicably has sparked concerns among locals, who fear that the already fragile peace may crumble further. For now, the standoff remains unresolved, with the ME lasting women’s rights group adamant on their demand for a public apology.

Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/women-protesters-attempt-to-storm-npp-presidents-residence-over-arambai-tenngol-remarks-1573303
Category : North East,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-04-04 17:46:00