Women Block Security Forces After Fresh Violence In Manipur Villages

Manipur is on the boil for the last few days. Suspected extremists killed a man in Manipur on Wednesday, triggering fresh violence in the strife-torn State. Amidst the unabated violence, scores of women from the Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district blocked the entry of Central armed forces to the Kwakta region, where the fresh violence took place.

Brimming with anger, the women carried sticks, slingshots and shouted at the men in uniform, urging them to go back. A Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel tried to placate their anger but in vain.

"We will leave, what will happen then? Will things go back to normal?" the officer asked. "You broke our trust. We let you in for our protection," the women responded. "Give us one more chance. We have come for you," the officer asked, according to The Print.

As it began to rain, the women undeterred opened their umbrellas and squatted on the road, determined not to let any vehicles pass. Finally, the security forces had to turn back.

A 29-year-old man was shot dead in the Bishnupur district on Wednesday. Following the incident, the authorities relaxed curfew in Bishnupur, Imphal East and Imphal West. Earlier, the curfew was relaxed from 5 am to 4 pm.

An additional 600 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been rushed to Manipur on Tuesday to bolster security in areas that have a mixed population of Kukis and Meiteis, a day after fresh incidents of arson were reported from the northeastern State.

The violent clashes have left at least 73 people dead and 40,000 displaced so far.