Manipur violence: Women vendors stage protest, demand immediate resolution to ongoing conflict

In a powerful demonstration of unity, women vendors from Khwairamband Ima Market staged a protest rally and sit-in, demanding an immediate resolution to the year-long conflict in Manipur. 

The protest, organized by the Khwairamband Ima Market Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace, called for the Manipur crisis to be discussed during the ongoing Lok Sabha session.

The aggrieved vendors began their rally from the market, intending to meet with the Chief Minister and Governor of Manipur. However, they were stopped by security forces near M-Sector, approximately 1 km from the Chief Minister's bungalow. Undeterred, the protesters returned to the market premises to continue their sit-in.

Key demands of the agitation include the cessation of violence, rejection of separate administrative divisions, and the protection of village volunteers who have been defending against Kuki militants since the crisis began.

Huirem Binodini, Co-Convenor of the committee, emphasized the importance of addressing the Manipur crisis in the Lok Sabha. She urged the central government to prioritize resolving the conflict democratically, highlighting that as part of India, Manipur's issues deserve urgent attention.

"The people of Manipur are aware of the central government's support for the Kuki people," Binodini stated. She called for neutrality from the government to end the violence and urged state leaders to actively engage with central authorities by presenting the true situation of the ongoing crisis.

In a stark warning, Binodini suggested that the people of Manipur might demand separation from India if the conflict is not resolved promptly. The protest underscored the deep-seated frustration and urgency felt by the local community as they seek peace and stability in their region.