A cultural organisation Brahmapur Seva Sangh, which has been on an indefinite hunger strike in Manipur since July 26, has urged the Centre to stop the armed confrontations between communities and killings in the violence-hit state. Over two dozen people are participating in the hunger strike over the unprecedented violence, which has rocked the state since the beginning of May this year.
The demonstrators are seen holding placards reading "stop killing, stop burning" and "save humanity".
One of the protesters, Deben Bachaspatimayum, told ABP Live that any act of violence against women was an attack on the very foundation of the Manipuri Gaudiya Vaishnavite culture.
"We as a Vaishnavite Sanamahi community respect the dignity of all human beings and uphold women as the mother in highest esteem and as a creator Goddess. We believe that any crime or act of violence against innocent women, within our own community or with others, is out of ignorance of the established order of life and faith in the society," Bachaspatimayum said.
"It is therefore our earnest request to the Central government, to the President, the Prime Minister, and the Opposition leaders to stop the ongoing armed confrontations between communities immediately in Manipur by taking concrete action on ground," he said.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said there was complete breakdown of law and order in Manipurand termed the investigation carried out by the state police as "tardy" and "too lethargic".
"(Manipur) State police is incapable of investigation. They have lost control. There is absolutely no law and order," CJI Chandrachud said.
The SC also demanded the personal presence of the Director General of Police (DGP) on Monday.
On Monday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the viral video case in which two women were paraded naked, took custody of the four accused till August 2.
The video, which was shot on May 4 but went viral last week, has sparked outrage throughout the country.
Sporadic incidents of violence continue to be reported from the strife-torn state, with clashes breaking out between Meitei and the Kuki tribe following the Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status.
The ethnic violence has so far claimed around 160 lives in the state and scores of people have been forced to leave their houses and take shelter in relief camps.