Imphal : The Rapid Action Force (RAF), known for their callous and notorious behavior towards civilians, once again resorted to extreme measures as they fired tear gas at hundreds of women protesters at Singjamei Bazar in Imphal on Tuesday evening. The protesters, united in their repeated slogans of “Long Live Manipur” and “No Compromise on Territorial Integrity,” were silenced by the aggressive actions of the security personnel. The actions of the RAF have resulted in the injury of 19 women, with one among them enduring severe injuries.
In a symbolic gesture of hope, the women protesters waved both India’s tricolour and the United Nations flags, believing that the security forces would respect these symbols and refrain from attacking them. One of the protesters expressed, “We hold high hopes for peace and unity to return to Manipur. By displaying the national flag of India and the UN flag, we aimed to convey our desire for peace and normalcy in Manipur to the security forces and the government.”
The women had gathered from 2:00 pm at Singjamei Bazar Chingamathak Traffic junction, after they were prevented from proceeding towards the Chief Minister’s official residence in Babupara area. Their demand was clear: they wanted long-term solutions to bring peace and normalcy to Manipur without compromising the state’s territorial integrity.
Unable to advance, the unarmed and frustrated protesters resorted to a sit-in protest, blocking one side of the road. State and central police forces closely monitored their every move until approximately 9:50 pm. The protesters questioned why a group of around a hundred, whose main intention was to submit a memorandum, was denied entry, while thousands of men and women were allowed to storm the Chief Minister’s Bungalow and its surroundings, where important offices are located.
One of the women protesters explained the motive behind their demonstration, stating that the violence that began on May 3 continues to wreak havoc, resulting in loss of life and property. Normalcy seems distant and unattainable. She added, “We wanted to meet the Chief Minister of the state with the hope that he would take steps to alleviate the suffering we are all experiencing. Unfortunately, the security forces are not giving us the opportunity to meet and express our dire situation to him. This is disheartening and deserves condemnation from everyone.”
Among the rally participants were the relatives and loved ones of the nine victims allegedly killed by Kuki militants in the Khamenlok incident. They hoped to submit a memorandum and share their harrowing experiences with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. However, they were dismayed by the blockades imposed by state security forces and the Rapid Action Force, preventing their access and leaving them waiting in vain for the Chief Minister to hear their distressing stories.
