Imphal markets shut down

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, February 9, 2019: Vendors of Ima Market of Khwairamband today shut down their markets and staged sit-in rally on the market street in the heart of Imphal demanding unconditional withdrawal of the Citizenship Amendment Bill,  2019.

Shops in Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar were shut down by the agitating women.

The protest was taken up in support of ‘Indefinite on road mass agitation’ against the bill that was launched on February 7 by Manipur People Against Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 which is a conglomerate forum of 72 civil organisations from various corners of Manipur.

“While the governments of Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, etc stand together with people opposing the bill, Manipur chief minister keep saying that the bill will not affect Manipur,” said secretary of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinfam Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup (a women organisation of Ima Market ) Th. Rani.

Manipur government should give a written guarantee that the bill will not affect Manipur, she added.

Chief minister Biren Singh yesterday said his government will oppose the bill until a clause is inserted that Manipur will not be affected or the Northeast will be exempted or assent is given to Manipur People’s Bill.

He appealed to the people to refrain from hurting the sentiments of other communities during agitations.

The passing of the bill in the lower House has brought social unrest in Manipur and Northeast, said the women leader.

“We will not retreat from our agitation. There will be no peace until the bill is withdrawn. The state government should immediately act according to the wishes of the people,” Rani said.

Thangmeiband United Club, a conglomeration of clubs in Thangmeiband has been organising relay hunger strike and staging sit-in blocking roads since February 7.

People blocked roads and staged sit-in in different parts of Imphal today.