Imphal: The 10-party INDIA bloc in Manipur is set to hold a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday, demanding an immediate restoration of peace and normalcy in the northeastern state.
Keisham Meghachandra Singh, President of Congress’ Manipur unit, stated that the demonstration aims to highlight the “inaction of the Centre and the state government” in addressing the ongoing crisis.
The protest comes in response to the 19 months of ethnic conflict in Manipur, calling for urgent intervention to restore order. A delegation of INDIA bloc leaders, led by Congress Vice President Hareshwar Goswami, traveled to New Delhi on Sunday to participate in the protest.
On December 6, the bloc urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur or engage in discussions with state political parties in the capital to address the ongoing ethnic strife.
Meghachandra Singh expressed disappointment over the authorities denying permission for the protest initially requested on December 6, emphasizing the importance of exercising their right to protest amid the turmoil. He noted that the violence has displaced over 100,000 individuals, resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries, and caused extensive property damage, leading to widespread fear and trauma in the region.
He reiterated the request for the Prime Minister to either visit Manipur or convene a meeting with local political leaders to discuss the serious situation. Additionally, around 20 civil society organizations and student groups from Imphal Valley have announced plans for a rally in Delhi on December 22.