KSO Delhi Protest 2007: A Day We Will NEVER Forget

Many of us from Gurgaon, mostly Eimi people, joined the KSO Delhi protest at Jantar Mantar-New Delhi on 23 March 2007. We were protesting against the atrocities and landmines planted by the Meitei underground group, UNLF, which operates from across the Myanmar border. Many of our people had been tortured, and there were reports of young women living near the border being sexually assaulted by these underground cadres. We could not stay silent, so several of us took leave from work to join the protest. Many of us worked in BPOs, restaurants, and shopping malls in Gurgaon. 

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During the protest, as we marched and shouted slogans, a large group of Delhi Police suddenly confronted us. Without warning, they began beating people with long wooden sticks. Chaos broke out. Many fell to the ground, injured and groaning. 

Three of my female friends were struck several times, beaten so hard they couldn’t escape. I was hit three times on my back and hips; and got swollen, so I couldn’t stand nor walk properly. Nearby me, about 30-40 people were also lying by the roadside, unable to walk or even stand up after being beaten. My mobile phone Nokia 1100, which had fallen during the scuffle, was stepped on by a policeman and smashed completely, even the SIM card was “injured” (bent)! I was furious and shouted at the policeman, begging him not to destroy my phone. But he did!!! I lost all my contacts that day. I don't know what happened to rest of our friends.

In the confusion, everyone scattered in different directions. Later, my friend Lenpu and I visited our injured friends in hospital, while many of our younger brothers were locked up in the police station.

In total, about 10 to 15 participants from Gurgaon were injured, though thankfully none were critically hurt. Still, watching the Delhi Police beat young girls like that, as if they were animals, was really heartbreaking and painful to witness. 

It is said that around 300-400 protestors were injured that day. 

That day left a mark on us all.

--- Bruce K. Thangkhal, Gurgaon, Haryana
Member, Gurgaon Eimi Organisation (GEO)