Imphal, June 10: The artist fraternity of Manipur on Saturday held sit-in protest demanding prompt restoration of peace and harmony in the state.

The protest was held at Iboyaima Sunglen complex in Imphal.

The protesters began the sit-in protest by observing a solemn minute of silence, paying homage to the lives lost during the recent violence. The protesters raised their voice by shouting slogans such as “Long Live Manipur,” “No separate administration in Manipuri,” and “Abrogate Suspension of Operation.”

Eminent theatre personality and former chairman of the National School of Drama, Ratan Thiyam, strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his apparent silence on the ongoing turmoil in Manipur.

Expressing his disappointment, Thiyam said that not responding to the present unrest even after a month-long crisis by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is highly condemnable.

He said the central government is treating the civilians of the state as third-class citizens.

The Coordinating Committee on Cultural Fraternity resolved to submit a memorandum to the President of India, seeking urgent intervention for the restoration of peace and tranquillity in Manipur.

Meanwhile, the Government of India has constituted Peace Committee in Manipur under the Chairpersonship of Governor of Manipur. The Committee also includes former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers and representatives of different ethnic groups.