Demands for the release of arrested members of Arambai Tengol intensified on Tuesday, June 23, as women vendors of Khwairamband Ima Keithel staged a sit-in demonstration against the recent arrests made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
A large number of women vendors participated in the protest at the historic Khwairamband Ima Market, bringing commercial activities at the marketplace to a complete halt for the day.
The protesters expressed strong dissatisfaction over the arrest of Arambai Tengol members and alleged that the government had earlier appealed for the surrender of illegal arms with assurances that no arrests would be made. They claimed that weapons were surrendered based on that assurance, but subsequent arrests have raised doubts over the credibility of such commitments.
During the demonstration, placards with messages such as “How can people trust future appeal, if today promise are ignored”, “Peace needs trust. Trust needs honour. Honour your words. Honour the people” and “Where is your promise” were displayed.
Speaking at the protest, participant L. Mema Devi termed the arrests unfortunate and demanded the unconditional release of those detained. She also urged authorities not to take further action against village volunteers or members of Arambai Tengol.
She claimed that local volunteers and members of the group had acted during periods of insecurity and alleged that civilians were compelled to take self-defence measures due to the inability of the government to ensure adequate protection during the crisis.
Mema Devi further said that peace was gradually returning to the valley and warned that continued arrests at this stage could disturb the prevailing situation. She also cautioned that further protests may be launched if their demands are not addressed.
The National Investigation Agency has not issued any official response to the protest demands at the time of reporting.
