Women from Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur staged protests on Wednesday against the Ministry of Home Affairs' decision to withdraw a section of the central forces from the state.
The move follows the MHA's directive to send 100 companies of central forces, totalling 10,000 troops, to West Bengal by April 15, with 25 of these companies being diverted from Manipur.
The central government's decision aims to ensure the smooth conduct of the 18th Parliamentary elections starting on April 19, 2024.
In response, Meira Paibis, the women vigilantes of various villages including Kumbi, Saiton, Salankonjin, and Hayaikon in Manipur's Bishnupur district, staged sit-in protests for the second consecutive day, blocking roads near Saiton High School.
Their protest focuses on the removal order of the 169 CRPF G company battalion from the villages. The women highlighted the crucial role played by CRPF personnel in ensuring the safety of villagers during ethnic violence in the state.
Similar protests erupted in a village under Litan Police Station in Kamjong District, where BSF personnel stationed at Thawai Kuki village face removal.
A leader of the protesters, Hohoi Haokip stated, “We will sit on the road against the moving out of BSF personnel from our village.”
Responding to concerns, Inspector LL. Tezii from Litan Police Station assured temporary deployment of police personnel from Ukhrul Police Reserved Line as an emergency measure until further arrangements are made.
The ethnic violence between Kuki and Meitei communities since May 3 last year has claimed over 222 lives in Manipur.
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