Meitei women’s organization Meera Paibi and other local clubs in Manipur’s Imphal Valley district have announced a strike for 48 hours from midnight. The bandh called for the release of five youths arrested for carrying firearms and wearing uniforms.
Normal life remained affected as markets and shops remained closed on Tuesday morning, while few vehicles were seen plying on the roads. On Monday, Mira Paibi had blocked roads in Khurai and Kongba in East Imphal, Nambol in Bishnupur district, Kakwa in West Imphal and some areas of Thoubal district. Manipur Police on Saturday arrested five youths for carrying weapons while wearing uniform. They said that all five of them were produced before the Judicial Magistrate, after which they were sent to police custody.
Yumnam Hitler, president of All Lanthabal Center United Coordinating Committee, said, the five arrested youths are citizens and volunteers of the village. All of them were guarding their villages to protect them from attacks by Kuki militants. We demand his release. If the government fails to release them, this movement will intensify further. On Saturday, protesters demonstrated in front of Porompat police station demanding the release of the youth. During this time, some protesters and RAF soldiers also suffered minor injuries.
