June 23 witnessed widespread protests across various districts of the valley in Manipur, condemning the heavy deployment of security forces and the arrest of village volunteers who have been safeguarding peripheral villages. Under the banner “Manipur Mamasingi Khollao: The Voice of Kanglei Mothers,” the protests were organized following decisions made on June 17. Protesters, primarily mothers, gathered to voice their concerns and resolutions regarding the ongoing conflict. They pledged to submit their resolutions to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Governor Anusuiya Uikey. Key demands included maintaining law and order by Manipur’s own government machinery, removal of the security adviser, and placing the unified command under the Manipur government’s jurisdiction. They also demanded that all security arrangements be controlled by the home department and advocated against the arrest of village volunteers.
One protester alleged that the deployment of Central Paramilitary Forces, including the Assam Rifles, has been controversial, accusing them of favoring Kuki militants instead of maintaining neutrality in conflict situations. They also raised concerns about the involvement of illegal immigrants in exacerbating the crisis in Manipur and criticized the handling of the situation by state and central authorities.”We strongly oppose the arrests of village volunteers who have been courageously defending innocent lives and property against suspected Kuki terrorists,” expressed a protester, emphasizing the grassroots nature of those involved in defense efforts.
The protests culminated in warnings of more intense actions if their demands were not met promptly. Despite curfews imposed in some areas like Bishnupur District, protests organized by groups like Manipur Chanura Lamjing Lup (MACHALL) proceeded with significant participation, underscoring the urgency and breadth of public sentiment. In Lilong Chajing Regional College, another protest rally was staged, where demonstrators sought to deliver a memorandum to the Chief Minister, highlighting grievances and seeking redress.