The state administration of Punjab has announced the closure of all schools on August 9, 2023, in solidarity with a statewide strike called by the Dalit and Christian communities against ethnic violence and the mistreatment of women in Manipur.
The Dalit and Christian groups have collaborated to organize a bandh (strike) on August 9 to draw attention to urgent concerns related to ethnic violence and gender-based atrocities. The Christian Brotherhood, in a press conference at the Jalandhar Press Club, launched the Manipur Insaf Morcha to formalize the upcoming strike, as reported by TOI.
Surjit Thapar, President of Manipur Insaaf Morcha, outlined the strategy for the statewide strike, specifying that the movement will be observed from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on August 9.
Recognizing the potential for disruptions and prioritizing the safety of children, the state authorities have decided to keep schools closed on the day of the strike. This step aims to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of students.
The trigger for this protest was a disturbing incident captured on video on May 4. The video depicted the public humiliation of two women from different communities in Manipur, who were forced to parade naked by a group of men. This deeply distressing act sparked widespread outrage across the nation.
The bandh movement is a response to the broader issue of ongoing ethnic tensions that ignited in Manipur on May 3. The unrest began after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ organized by hill districts, countered the Meitei community’s plea for Scheduled Tribe (ST) classification. With over 160 fatalities and numerous injuries, the call for a bandh resonates as a powerful plea for justice and increased awareness.
In response to the prolonged ethnic clashes, the Central government has deployed 800 additional security personnel to Manipur. The state has been grappling with severe ethnic tensions for almost 100 days, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Adding to the challenges faced by Manipur’s Chief Minister, there is an “indefinite social boycott” imposed by Meitei’s outfit and the Kuki People’s Alliance.
Presently, approximately 125 paramilitary forces units and 164 columns of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed in Manipur to address the turmoil. Manipur police have clarified that reports of looting of arms and ammunition from different police stations and armouries on August 5 were “misleading.” Security forces have been actively conducting raids in both hill and valley areas to recover looted arms and ammunition. The statewide strike and the associated concerns highlight the urgent need for justice, peace, and the protection of citizens in Manipur.