Manipur’s women activists are intentionally impeding security forces’ operations by blocking routes was tweeted by the Indian Army on Monday evening.
Manipur army has appealed to the public to assist in the restoration of peace in the violence-stricken region, as women activists are purposefully obstructing routes and impeding security force operations. Highlighting the adverse impact of such “unwarranted interference” on the prompt response of security forces, the Spears Corps of the Indian Army shared a video on Twitter late Monday, showcasing a few instances of such incidents transpiring in Manipur.
The stand-off in Itham, Manipur persisted throughout Saturday and concluded with a “mature decision” made by the operational commander. Considering the sensitivity of employing force against a sizable and agitated mob led by women, and the potential casualties resulting from such action, officials explained the reasoning behind the decision.
According to the officials, twelve members of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), a Meitei militant group responsible for several attacks, including the ambush of a 6 Dogra unit in 2015, were trapped in the village. The security personnel departed from the location with the seized arms and ammunition.
Manipur Army’s Tweet
Titled “Demystifying the myth of peaceful blockade led by women in Manipur,” the Spear Corps unveiled a video that depicted a significant gathering of women encircling personnel in Itham on Saturday. The Corps declared that this specific incident served as an example of women aiding in the escape of rioters.
The statement was issued within two days of a confrontation in Itham village, located in Imphal East, Manipur. The situation compelled the forces to release 12 militants who were taking refuge in the area.
“Deliberate blockage of routes and interference in Security Forces’ operations by women activists in #Manipur hampers the timely response required during critical situations to safeguard lives and property,” tweeted the Indian Army.
The Indian Army took to Twitter, urging all segments of the population to extend their support in the mission to restore peace, stating, “Help us to Help Manipur.”
The video included footage from Yaingangpokpi in Imphal East, Manipur, on June 23, a day marked by shooting incidents. The footage featured two open vans transporting a significant number of women alongside several vehicles, which the Army stated were carrying armed rioters.
On June 13, another footage emerged depicting a significant crowd obstructing a road in Nunshung, located in Imphal East, Manipur, near Khamenlok. On that same evening, a mob comprising Meitei individuals set ablaze eight villages in Khamenlok. Subsequently, in what was reported as a retaliatory attack by Kukis, nine Meiteis lost their lives. Army sources revealed that the forces were unable to reach the site of the arson and shooting due to the road blockade.
In Manipur, following the reemergence of violence on May 28, a significant number of women have been observed engaging in road blockades throughout towns and villages in the valley. These women protesters openly express their distrust towards the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
