IMPHAL/UKHRUL: Women vendors of Khwairamband Ima Keithel on Thursday staged a sit-in protest and rally, condemning the killing of three Meitei civilians who had gone to collect firewood at Sanalok (Khongbal Tangkhul) and were allegedly killed by Kuki militants.
The rally began at Ima Keithel, proceeded to Kasturi Bridge and returned to Ima Keithel, with the protesters shouting slogans condemning the killings and demanding accountability from the government.
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Speaking to reporters, Thingujam Rani, secretary of the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup, said the vendors joined the statewide sit-in protest to express their deep sorrow and extend condolences to the families of the three deceased civilians.
Rani questioned the claims made by chief minister Yumnam Khemchand and BJP leaders that people could travel anywhere in Manipur. She said the killing of the three civilians while they were collecting firewood in the hills raised serious concerns over such assurances.
Terming the incident unfortunate, she said those responsible for ensuring people’s safety must take responsibility for the killings.
The protesting women vendors also demanded the resignation of chief minister Yumnam Khemchand, deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen and MP A. Sarda over the incident.
