Help Us Help Manipur: Army Appeals For Support As Women Deliberately Block Routes [See Pics]

The Indian Army has urged people to support its efforts towards restoring peace and normalcy in violence-hit Manipur and expressed concern over activists blocking routes and interfering with security operations, hindering timely responses.

The Army posted a 2.14-minute video on Twitter showing several incidents of women-led groups obstructing operations in violence-hit Manipur.

In the video, the Army levelled four serious allegations - that women activists were helping rioters flee, interfering in operations during the day or at night, interfering in the movement of logistics, and digging up the entry to the Assam Rifles camp to cause delays.

"Women activists in Manipur are deliberately blocking routes and interfering in operations of security forces. Such unwarranted interference is detrimental to the timely response by security forces during critical situations to save lives and property," said a tweet by Spear Corps, Indian Army.

One incident involved security forces attempting to nab 12 members of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), a militant group based in Manipur. However, a mob of approximately 1,200-1,500 people, led by women, prevented their arrest. Similarly, women in Kangpokpi and Yaingangpokpi blocked army personnel from reaching an area where armed miscreants were firing weapons.

That incident was referenced in the video titled "Being humane is not a weakness". "Demystifying the myth of peaceful blockade led by women in Manipur," the video added.

The clip showed visuals of what it said was a blockade by women at Itham village in Imphal East on Saturday.

The video also included a purported visual from June 23 from Uragpat and Yaiganpokpi, where shots were fired, and alleged that women were accompanying armed rioters.

Another frame alleged that ambulances were used to carry rioters and captioned two vehicles carrying women as accompanying rioters.

"Women folk were accompanying armed rioters," the caption said.

The clip also presented purported visuals from June 13 - when nine people were gunned down in what was the highest number of casualties in a single day since violence first broke out six weeks ago.

"As riots broke out in Khamenlok, a mob blocked the movement of forces even before arson began," the caption said.

The clip also alleged that women were interfering in operations during the day and at night, blocking movement of goods, and had even dug up the entry to the Assam Rifles base to delay troops.

"Blocking movement of forces is not only unlawful but also detrimental to their efforts towards restoring law and order. Indian Army appeals to all sections of society to cooperate with security forces working day and night to bring peace and stability in Manipur," the viode concludes.

In Manipur, women have emerged as key figures in the ongoing demonstrations, with multiple incidents showcasing their active role in various protests. The recent involvement of women protesters has disrupted the normal functioning of the state, impacting essential supplies, vehicular movement, and security operations.