Imphal: A massive peace rally was taken out on Saturday by thousands of people braving the summer heat, to demand action against the Kuki Chin terrorists who were responsible for the crisis in Manipur.
The rally, organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity ( COCOMI) to discuss the Manipur crisis, started from Thangmeiband and culminated at Hapta Kangjeibung. Those who participated in the rally shouted slogans like Long Live Manipur, Stop Illegal Infiltration, Implement NRC, No Separate Administration in Manipur, protect indigenous people, protect forest and environment and stop crime against women.
The organizers had to wait for a long time to make five resolutions as people from across the state consisting of Naga, Muslims, Meiteis and other communities were coming towards the ground in large numbers.
The rallyists resolved to end the conflict by uprooting the Chin Kuki narco-terrorists who have come from other countries. It was also decided to oppose separate administration in Manipur.
They also resolved to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur. It was decided to demand the summoning of the Manipur Assembly by August 5.
It was further decided to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister. The organizers said the rally was taken out to inform all that the crisis in Manipur was started by illegal immigrants.Â
Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, a praesidium member, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited Manipur and promised to return after 15 days but he did not. The Centre had sent over 40,000 troops. However, they were not used to protect the people of Manipur, he alleged. The Prime Minister broke his silence after a video went viral and the people of Manipur condemned it, he pointed out.
People were shocked to hear the news of crime against women and children in a particular community on May 3 at the Churachandpur district and infuriated people came out the next day in various parts of the valley areas on May 4 to protest the burning of houses, killing of people and confinement of people mostly women and children at Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, he added.
The government announced giving Rs 1000 to the displaced persons. Dilip said what will a person who lost one’s house and livelihood do with Rs 1000.
RK Nimai, a presidium member, said the Meitei community was dragged into the conflict by the Kuki people by attacking people and burning houses. The peace-loving Meitei people were forced to protect themselves, he said. He appealed to the people to take action against the armed Kuki militants and not against the unarmed people.
Jeetendra Ningombam, Convenor of COCOMI, said all the civil societies of Manipur are working together to resolve the crisis. Massive security arrangements were taken up as it was calculated that several lakhs of people must have come to participate in the rally.
