Imphal : Amid hosting black flags, several Meitei women attired in black dresses paid floral tributes to the photos of the martyrs who lost their lives during the ongoing conflict. The womenfolks paid tributes to the photos of 53 Meitei martyrs that were placed on a board atop.

The board also presented the token of appreciation to the families of 53 people, who were killed in the current crisis while defending the territorial integrity and identity of Manipur.

Hosting the black flags and paying tributes were held as a part of the “Black September” observance from September 3-21 on Sunday night.

The Black September is being observed by the Meitei FAMBEI as a mark of condemnation against Prime Minister Modi and the central and paramilitary forces for practicing “oppressive tactics” and governmental negligence owing to ethnic conflict. Meitei FAMBEI is an assembly representing the Meitei population in Manipur.

According to Ningthouja Lancha, Meitei FAMBEI’s spokesperson, consultative meetings are being held in different locations in the valley districts until September 21, with the goal of uniting various communities under one platform.

Notably, the armed conflict between the Meiteis and Kuis that started on May 3, has killed 175 individuals.

It has displaced more than 60,000 residents. Both groups are armed with automatic weapons, rifles, pistols, extra rounds of ammunition, hand grenades, and mortars. However, the governments at the center and state are trying to find a political solution arising out of the bloody conflicts.