2 women launch hunger strike for unification of civil society groups: Thursday marked the second day of the hunger strike launched by two members of a prominent women’s organisation in Manipur.
2 women launch hunger strike for unification of civil society groups
N Gangaleima of Basikhong and Chongtham Pramo Leima of Singjamei Kshetri leikai, both from the Imphal East district, are the first women to join the hunger strike, which began on Wednesday and has no end date.
They initiated the strike under the auspices of Manipur’s newly established Thawai Mirel Women Wing.
The new organisation is demanding, among other things, the unification of all civil society organisations (CSOs) in the state to guide the people under a unified agenda and the convening of a special assembly session to adopt a resolution to save Manipur.
The people, according to N. Gangaleima, require CSOs that can hold the government accountable for its neglect of the situation in the state.
She noted that the violent conflict that began on 3 May has been ongoing for nearly four months, but CSOs do not appear to be united.
She urged all organisations to unite and speak with one voice on behalf of the people.
Chongtham Pramo Leima also criticised the 30-minute assembly session that had just concluded.
She emphasised the importance of five-day assembly sessions for passing resolutions, including a solution to the ongoing ethnic violence that has claimed over 150 lives.
The hunger strike will presumably continue until the demands of the Thawai Mirel Women Wing are met.
