Manipur: Scuffles Erupt During Protest In Imphal Over NRC, PC Implementation

IMPHAL: Manipur’s capital Imphal on Tuesday was rocked by a massive protest demonstration by hundreds of students and women traders demanding early implementation of the national register of citizens (NRC) and population commission (PC).

The protest programme was launched by the demonstrators against the Manipur government’s alleged “delaying tactics” in implementation of both NRC and PC.

In October last year, the Manipur government had announced its decision to form a Population Commission and the chief feature of the policy was that families with more than four children will be barred from government benefits. However, the PC is yet to see the light of day and the people have become restive.

Hundreds of student protestors owing allegiance to six powerful students’ organisations, supported by hundreds of Imas (Manipuri for mother), and members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) took out a rally from Ima Keithel towards the Manipur chief minister’s bungalow.

Ima Keithel, or Mothers’ Market, is an all-women market, said to be the largest such shopping complex in Asia. The unique all women’s market has around 3,000 “Imas” or mothers who run the stalls. They are a potent force when on the warpath.

Meanwhile, a major scuffle broke out as the rally reached near the Manipur CM’s residence, after the police intercepted the rally and forced it to make a U-turn and return to its starting point.

Significantly, the scuffles between the protestors and the police personnel broke out when the protesters tried to storm the Manipur chief minister’s residence in Imphal.

Manipur police issued a statement which said that the situation is under control.

The students’ organisation, COCOMI and the Imas have intensified their protests demanding that steps be taken by the Manipur government to tackle illegal migration. They also demanded immediate implementation of the NRC and population commission in Manipur.

At the start of the protest, the members of the six powerful students’ organizations gathered first at the Ima market of Imphal city and then they took out a rally with the support of numerous women traders.

The protestors marched forward, holding placards with slogans that read- “protect indigenous rights and future”, “save forests, save environment”, etc

Salam Upen, the Coordinator of six student bodies said, “Our efforts for protection and preservation of the indigenous people would continue until and unless our demands are met.”

The six Manipur students’ bodies that took part in the protest are: Manipur Students’ Federation, Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students’ Association, Students’ Union of Kangleipak, Apunba Ireipak-ki Maheiroi Singpang Lup.

An elderly Ima – Thoibi Devi said that in case the Manipur government fails to address their demands which are aimed towards the welfare of the indigenous people, all 60 legislators of Manipur should resign from the state assembly.

The ball is now in the government’s court.

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