Ima Keithel vendors Committee calls for urgent Parliament discussion on Manipur crisis

Imphal: The Khwairamband Ima Keithel (women market at Imphal) Coordinating Committee for Peace has called for urgent discussions on over a year long Manipur crisis in the upcoming Parliament session, to begin on June 24.

The committee presses for a solution to the escalating violence and unrest in the state.

Co-convenor of the committee Huirom Binodini, briefing a group of reporters at Manipur Press Club, here, said Centre should prioritise on restoration of peace in the state.

“We hope high that the third term of the Modi-led government will bring an amicable solution to the present unrest in Manipur,” Binodini said.

She announced to stage a sit-in at the keithel on Monday, to oppose the demands for a separate administration by Kuki in Manipur.

She raised concerns about the government’s plans to conduct mass combing operations to apprehend village volunteers, and asked the government to distinguish between defenders and aggressors.

“The people of Manipur will not allow this combing operation to nab the defenders who has been against Kuki-Zo aggression, while security forces remain inactive,” Binodini said.

She lambasted the state government’s declaration that the ongoing crisis would be resolved within three months, which is too long to wait.

“End the crisis in a month,” she demanded.

The committee announced to visit Jiribam district to aid those affected by the ongoing violence and asked for monetary support from the people of Manipur for the aid.