Kakching, Manipur - July 9, 2024: In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and a plea for peace, approximately two thousand women took to the streets of Kakching Keithel tonight, staging a torch rally to demand the restoration of tranquility in Manipur. The rally was organized by the All Kakching Clubs Co-ordinating Committee (AKCCC).
The participants, armed with torches and candles, gathered initially at Ibudhou Naohal-lai Laibung, Kakching Keithel. The women, united in their cause, chanted a series of fervent slogans. Their cries included calls for peace in Manipur, the protection of the state's territorial integrity, the enforcement of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the eradication of Kuki narco-terrorists, and the longevity of Manipur. The rally was a vivid display of community solidarity and determination.
Forming a human chain that stretched approximately one kilometer, the demonstrators lined both sides of the road, their torches and candles lighting up the night. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and hope as the women called for immediate action to address the ongoing unrest in their state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Rajya Sabha, spoke about the situation in Manipur for the first time in several months. He assured that many steps had been taken to improve the conditions in the state and that efforts were ongoing to restore complete normalcy. This statement marked a significant moment as the Prime Minister had previously avoided discussing the issues in Manipur.
In a parallel development, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Manipur on Monday. His visit included trips to three relief camps where he interacted with people displaced by the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos, which began on May 3 of last year. Gandhi’s visit was seen as a move to bring national attention to the plight of the displaced and to push for more substantial government intervention.
However, Gandhi's visit was not without controversy. Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP's IT cell, criticized Gandhi, accusing him of indulging in what he termed "sick tragedy tourism." Malviya claimed that the violence in Manipur was a legacy of the Congress party, suggesting that Gandhi’s visit was more about political opportunism than genuine concern.
The torch rally by the women of Kakching Keithel is one of many grassroots movements that have emerged in response to the ongoing conflict in Manipur. These efforts highlight the deep-seated desire for peace and stability among the people of the state. The rally served as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action and the critical role that local communities play in advocating for change.
As the situation in Manipur continues to evolve, the voices of its citizens, exemplified by the women of Kakching Keithel, remain a crucial part of the narrative. Their calls for peace and justice echo the sentiments of many across the state, underscoring the urgent need for effective and lasting solutions to the region's challenges.