‘Are we not Indians?’: In Imphal, thousands join march to demand normalcy

Amid intensified clashes between Kuki and Meitei groups, thousands of people – most of them Meitei women activists and some from Naga groups – took to the streets in Imphal on Saturday, to demand government action to restore normalcy in the state. 

The march, which started around 11 am from Thangmeiband Thau ground and concluded at Hapta Kangjeibung, saw participation of groups such as COCOMI and Meira Paibis. Ethnic faultines were visible as protesters blamed Kuki miscreants for the unrest, and demanded an NRC to identify “outsiders”.

The protestors held placards with slogans such as “abolish narco terrorism”, “we want NRC”, “stop violence”, “no separate administration” and “no political rights to immigrants”.

A college student in Imphal said, “We are unable to study or give exams… Are we not Indians that you have avoided us for all this time? We are also Indians. Please do something for us, we are very tired.” Another protester said that she was “angry at PM Modi”.

An anganwadi worker, who was also at the march, said the government must act to restore normalcy.   

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