Imphal: Ima Keithel vendors have backlashed the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi) for its decision to suspend its indefinite demonstration after a meeting convened by chief minister N. Biren Singh.
The meeting took eight-point resolution from the meeting including a seven-day ultimatum to the central government to fulfill the demands resolved during the meeting. “Failing this, all NDA legislators vowed to consult the people of the state to determine the next course of action.”
Cocomi suspended its indefinite sit-in protest and issued a seven-day ultimatum following assurances made during an emergency meeting held on Monday night. However, the apex body’s decision has sparked discontent among women protesters who participated in the demonstration.
It launched the protest, demanding the fulfillment of a series of demands, at Khwairamband Ima Market. Women vendors joined the indefinite sit-in, even staying overnight at the market since Saturday—the same day irate mobs began vandalizing the residences of MLAs.
The protest centered on demands for an urgent meeting of all legislators to address the escalating crisis following the Jiribam incident, in which six internally displaced persons were abducted by suspected Kuki militants and allegedly killed after being held captive.
On Monday, Cocomi spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba addressed the media, stating that the committee demanded revisions to resolutions adopted at a meeting convened by the chief minister. Athouba emphasized that no further discussions with the government would be entertained unless the resolutions were revised within 24 hours.
Following the ultimatum, Cocomi coordinator Th. Somorendro, along with Athouba, announced to the media at midnight of Monday that the indefinite sit-in protest would be suspended for seven days.
Somorendro said the indefinite sit-in was suspended considering the state government’s memorandum but cautioned that if the government failed to meet the demands within seven days, Cocomi, along with the people, would resume intensified agitation.
Many women protesters at Khwairamband Ima Market opposed Cocomi ’s decision, leading to heated arguments with Somorendro.
“They made us sit here day and night, but now they say the strike is suspended for seven days. No substantive action has been taken by the state or central government,” said one of the vendors.
Another protester said, “For the two Kuki women assaulted in Imphal, the Centre moved heaven and earth, but for us, there has been no significant response. We will continue the demonstration until we see concrete action.”
“We have taken part in many movements led by them (Cocomi), but they repeatedly let us down. We no longer trust them.” “Do they think of us as insects?” The vendors questioned.
They announced that they would no longer support any future agitations spearheaded by Cocomi.
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