Women hold torch rally against violence in Manipur
Imphal: Women protesters took out a torch rally in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, and marched towards Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s official residence in protest against the violence, which has been continuing in the state since May last year.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the rally was held after two Indian forces’ personnel were killed by unidentified gunmen in Moreh, a border town located on the India–Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district.
The women protesters, locally known as Meira Paibi (women torchbearers), gathered from Malom, Keishampat and Kwakeithel areas and shouted slogans while marching towards the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. They attempted to go inside the secretariat but were stopped by the police.
Manipur has been witnessing continued violence after ethnic clashes broke out between Valley-majority Meiteis (Hindus) and hill-majority Kukis (Christians) on May 3 last year. Over 200 people have died and thousands of others have been displaced since then.