Days after the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, protests have erupted in various parts of the Valley. While the decision by the Central government has been welcomed by Kuki-dominated hill districts, civil society organisations from the Meitei-majority Valley areas have been demanding its revocation.

In Imphal, different women’s groups and locals from Top Dusara Khabam staged a sit-in protest at Top Awang Leikai Market Shed on Tuesday. The demonstrators urged Chief Minister N. Biren Singh not to resign amid the ongoing crisis. They also called for an end to poppy cultivation and demanded stronger measures to protect the indigenous people of the state.

Meanwhile, after several tribal organisations of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities voiced their support for separate administration, 10 tribal MLAs from Manipur reiterated their demand for a Union Territory with a legislature. Expressing optimism, they stated that they hope the Centre will soon outline a comprehensive political roadmap for lasting peace in the conflict-hit state.