Public anger erupted at Wangjing–Lamding market on Thursday as large numbers of women, women vendors, shop owners, Meira Paibis, and local residents staged a sit-in protest condemning repeated gunfire and attacks allegedly carried out by Kuki narco-terrorist groups in the Meitei residential areas of Torbung on Tuesday.
The protest was jointly organised by the Wangjing–Lamding Bazar Development Shopkeepers’ Association, Wangjing and Lamding Apunba Meira Paibi, Wangjing New Market Development Committee, and Wangjing–Lamding Bazar Shop and Small Vendors Welfare Committee.
Taking part in the protest, Arambam Bedana Leima, Vice-President of the Wangjing–Lamding Bazar Shop and Stall Vendors Welfare Committee, strongly condemned the alleged violent acts carried out by Kuki militants at Torbung and other areas. She lamented that despite continuous attacks using firearms, bombs, and other weapons, no effective action has been taken so far by the present PR government.
Referring to the events following May 3, 2023, Bedana Leima said that Meitei residents of Torbung Bangla Phoubakchao were displaced from their homes. Those families had only recently begun to return following government advice. She alleged that the incident was a serious violation of human rights. She questioned what role the Manipur PR government is playing and whether the PR government exists only to protect Kuki areas.
She further alleged that despite the imposition of President’s Rule, the state has failed to ensure peace and safeguard civilians. Meitei civilians are stopped and fired upon, while no strict action is taken against those using bombs and firearms. “When IDPs protest peacefully on roads, they are dispersed using tear gas and force, but when Kuki groups attack Meiteis with bombs and guns, no action is taken. This double standard is unacceptable,” she said, demanding immediate and decisive action against Kuki narco-terrorist groups.
Warning of serious consequences if the situation continues, she said prolonged injustice would lead to deeper anger among the people, including women and mothers. She appealed to the authorities to take firm action at the earliest and ensure safety for civilians.
Bedana Leima also urged the government to ensure the safe and dignified return of all IDPs to their original homes and to treat displaced persons with dignity. “IDPs are being treated worse than animals. We have no security, no livelihood, and no certainty about our future,” she said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Leishangthem Tamem, an IDP from Moreh currently staying at the Lamding Higher Secondary School relief camp, said they have survived since May 3, 2023, but are now being repeatedly displaced from relief camps as well. She said the government’s actions have only increased their suffering.
The protest was attended by IDPs from relief camps at Wangjing Kodompokpi and Lamding Higher Secondary School, along with members of various local clubs and civil bodies from Wangjing and Lamding.
Protesters displayed placards reading “We do not want Kuki Narco-Terrorist Activities”, “Is PR government under Kuki?”, “Allow IDPs to return to their homes safely”, “Punish those using bombs and guns”, “We reject the policies of the Government of India”, and others.
The protesters collectively demanded justice, security, and lasting peace in Manipur.
