New Delhi: Nearly a dozen policemen were injured after a shutdown in Manipur’s Churachandpur district turned violent on the evening of 6 February. Security forces faced heavy stone-pelting by a mob of young protesters. The use of tear gas also led to injuries among a few protesters.
The protests were against the installation of a popular government in the state.
“Our 10 policemen were badly injured and were rushed to the government hospital,” a senior police official said.
Police officers told ThePrint that protesters were attempting to set fire to the houses of Kuki MLAs. What stood out this time, however, was that women came out on the streets to restrain men from turning violent. Despite this, the crowd did not disperse from the roads until 2 am.
Churachandpur witnessed a shutdown and a massive rally, while another rally was held in Kangpokpi. During the rally, slogans were raised against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, calling her a “traitor to the cause”.
Nemcha is the wife of Seminthang Kipgen, who heads the United People’s Front, an umbrella organisation of nearly a dozen armed groups.
Boycott calls were issued against three legislators, and their effigies were burnt, urging them not to join the popular government.
“We have given an ultimatum to the Kuki-Zo MLAs to resign. The idea of separate administration was floated by them, and now they have betrayed us,” said Rebecca Haokip, spokesperson for the Kuki Women’s Human Rights Organisation (KWHRO).
“We sent women from our groups to pacify the young protesters. We are all very upset by turn out of events, and this is the result of that disgruntlement,” said Rebecca Haokip.
“The overwhelming participation of the people reflects the deep anguish, anger, and collective rejection of the actions of those Kuki-Zo MLAs who have chosen to join the formation of the Manipur government, in complete disregard of the people’s sentiments, collective resolutions, and the immense suffering endured by our community,” the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) said in a statement.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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The Kukis must realise that there is no scope for these shenanigans. It will only alienate them. Both Kukis and Meitis have bore the brunt of the horrible tragedy since past years. It is best if they understand this reality and stop using violence as a bargaining tactic.