Plagued by fear, Manipuris say hoping for solution to turmoil

Meanwhile, hundreds of Manipur students living in Delhi as well as those who have escaped from the violence-hit state in the last few weeks reached Jantar Mantar to protest on Wednesday.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Kim Jolly from Manipur University, who is pursuing her masters, alleged that despite assurance from the authorities on campus, mobs of 40-50 people barged into the premises earlier this month. “They started banging on doors to check for IDs, and were systematically targeting us. We were forced to hide in washrooms and store rooms,” alleged Jolly, who has moved to Delhi with her entire family.

Several students said they had to seek refuge in army camps, adding they were apprehensive of returning to Manipur University. “I was in my final year of PhD, about to complete my research. I cannot quit nor can I go back to the university,” said a PhD graduate who has moved to a relative’s house in the capital.

During a press conference, former chairperson of the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes Tara Manchin Hangzo, also a member of the forum, requested that a Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) be set up to investigate the clashes.

“Given the gravity of the situation in the face of absolute failure of the state machinery, we demand the immediate imposition of President’s rule in Manipur and the dissolution of the government led by (Chief Minister) N Biren Singh,” she added.

The forum also sought compensation and rehabilitation for people affected by the violence in Manipur.