Imphal, Aug 7: Tensions flared in Manipur Valley as the Meira Paibi, an organization of Meitei women, took to the streets on Monday to stage widespread protests against the Assam Rifles. Accusing the paramilitary force of committing “atrocities” on the Meitei community, hundreds of women carried placards and banners, demonstrating throughout the day in five districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

The Meira Paibi, whose name translates to ‘women torch bearers’, has previously voiced their dissent against the actions of the Assam Rifles. In their latest series of protests, they resorted to blocking several crucial highways and junctions to amplify their demands for the immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from the region.

A Meira Paibi leader alleged that the Assam Rifles has been inflicting “brutal torture and harassment” on innocent people, including elderly men and women, causing distress and unrest in the community.

“Our grievances stem from several instances where the Assam Rifles has exhibited bias, targeting the Meitei populace instead of taking appropriate action against the militants and other offenders,” the leader asserted.

The protests have brought attention to the escalating tensions and perceived injustices faced by the Meitei people in the region.

Mentionably, Manipur has been grappled in ethnic violence since May 3, 2023 between the Meitei and the Kuki-zo communities.

Also read: Sikkim: Police lati-charge, fire multiple rounds of tear gas to control agitated crowd at Namchi

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