Against Assam Rifles Meira Paibis stage protests

Imphal: Meira Paibi, a collective of Meitei women, staged a protest against the Assam Rifles in the Imphal Valley on Monday.
They staged sit-ins blocking roads in various areas, demanding the withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from violence-hit areas and accusing paramilitary forces of “brutality during the recent agitations”.
Meira Paibi, which literally means ‘women torch bearers’, took the decision to stir during a convention held in Malom Tulihal area of ​​Imphal West district on Sunday.
Dozens of women took to the streets in Hodam Leirak area of ​​Imphal West district and blocked one lane of Tiddim Road, which leads to Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.
They also staged sit-in demonstrations in Kwakeithel, Uripok and Singjamei areas of Imphal West district and Angom Leikai and Khurai areas of Imphal East district.

Similar protests were also held in Thoubal and Bishnupur districts.
“Our protest was necessitated by the continuous brutal crackdown by the Assam Rifles against the public, including women. Evidence has emerged that the Assam Rifles is biased and dereliction of duty,” L Mema, a protester from Hoddam Leirak, told reporters. Instead of paying with honesty and sincerity, it is targeting the victims.
Meanwhile, curfew was relaxed from 5 am to noon on Monday in Imphal East and West districts.

In this regard, separate statements were issued from the office of the concerned District Magistrates.
“The ban on movement from public residences from 5 am to noon on August 7 has been lifted to facilitate the general public in purchasing essential items including medicines and food items,” the notification said. .
The curfew was relaxed from 5 am to 10.30 am on Saturday after three persons, including a father-son duo, were killed in their sleep and later killed by militants in Bishnupur district. The bodies were cut with swords.

Prior to the incident, the curfew was relaxed from 5 am to 6 pm in the twin Imphal districts. Curfew has not been relaxed on Sunday.
Ethnic clashes between Kukis and Meteis began in Manipur on May 3, and have continued for the past three months, killing more than 160 people.