The Mothers’ Mandate: The Vote That Really Matters in Manipur

The votes cast by the mothers of Manipur will decide who forms the next Government in the state

The mothers who run the shops at Ima Market in Imphal (Photo: The Quint)

The mothers of Manipur have led some of the most powerful social and political movements in the state. They have fought relentlessly against human rights violation by the security forces under the garb of the Arms Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA); against alcoholism and drug addiction. They stood beside Irom Sharmila when she was fasting for sixteen long years against AFSPA.

At the Ima Keithel or the Mother’s Market, it may be business as usual, but the mothers know that in this election, their vote will be a decisive factor. And two issues will drive that decision; the Economic Blockade in Manipur and the reconstruction of the original Ima Market, which was destroyed in the earthquake of January 2017.

Cameraman: Tridip K Mandal

Multimedia Producer: Puneet Bhatia