Fast unto death protest enters 10th day as Manipur woman refuses force-feeding

A woman from Manipur who began a fast unto death demanding justice over the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state has entered the 10th day of her protest, even as her health condition continues to worsen.

 

Jennifer Khaidem, a resident of Uripok in Imphal West district and a mother of two, started her indefinite hunger strike on May 3, marking three years since violence first erupted in Manipur. She launched the protest at Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Leikai in Imphal West, calling for justice for victims of the conflict and stronger action to restore peace in the state.

 

Despite her deteriorating condition, Khaidem has reportedly refused nasal feeding after being admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) by police personnel a few days ago. Sources said she is currently surviving on glucose support.

 

Her protest has drawn support from women groups and internally displaced persons, many of whom have been visiting the protest site and standing beside her in solidarity.

 

Khaidem said the prolonged conflict had devastated thousands of lives, leaving many dead, missing and displaced from their homes. She alleged that despite three years of unrest, authorities had failed to deliver justice or ensure lasting peace.

 

Expressing anguish over the recent killing of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, she said the incident deeply affected her as a mother herself. She maintained that she would continue the fast “until justice prevails” in Manipur.

 

Among the demands raised during her protest are the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the Census process and stronger government measures to bring back normalcy in the violence-hit state.

 

Manipur has remained tense since ethnic clashes broke out in May 2023, leading to prolonged displacement, repeated incidents of violence and growing humanitarian concerns across several districts.