Manipur women ignore militant unit's dress code

By Our Correspondent

IMPHAL, SEPT.15. For all practical purposes the hitherto unknown underground organisation, the KYKL(K) which had imposed a dress code, has made a hasty retreat. While the KYKL(K) insurgents are keeping a low profile, girls and women are seen moving in the streets wearing the `banned' dresses.

This outfit had banned the use of trousers, saris and salwars. Referring to the resentment by some outfits, it had said that those women who violated the dress code would be shot. For quite some time, women played safe by avoiding these dresses. However, a number of women's organisations have come out with scathing statements against the dress code. They also said that if women's dresses were thus restricted, men should also switch to loincloth, etc. There has been no rejoinder or fresh threat from this outfit.

Police sources, however, said that KYKL(K) insurgents would not make their presence felt. It is said that two rival groups, KYKL(O) and KYKL(T), are in search of KYKL(K) members for liquidation. These two groups naturally regard it as an enemy. Besides, other organisations like the RPF had a long time ago announced that there could be no new underground organisation. The KYKL(K) is believed to have been formed very recently.

Office-going women and girls are wearing these banned dresses. Besides there are some girls' schools where the salwar kamiz is the uniform.

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Section  : Other States
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