No let up in protest against 7/23
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 06, 2009: The mass movement launched in the aftermath of the July 23 incident, demanding justice has been continuing in different parts of the State without any let up.

Protest rally taken out in Lamsang to protest the July 23 incident

As part of the ongoing movement, spearheaded by the Apunba Lup, a large number of people took out a protest rally in Lamsang.

Notably, late Thokchom Rabina's 2 year old son was present among the protesters.

The protest rally started from the residential gate of late Rabina.

The protesters used large posters displaying the photographs of the BT Road incident, published by Tehelka.

The protesters shouted different slogans like "We condemn Khwairamband killing", "Stop State terrorism", "Punish guilty commandos", "Repeal black laws", "Resign, Okram Ibobi", "Release Apunba Lup activists etc".

As the protest rally approached Lamsang Oil Service, the protesters were blocked by a police team.

After a short altercation between the protesters and police there, the protesters were driven back by police.

On the other hand, a protest demonstration was also staged at the residential gate of Chungkham Sanjit at Khurai today.

Denouncing the July 23 killings, a sit-in-protest was staged today at Pukhao Naharup Lai Lampak under the aegis of the All Pukhao Meira Paibi before taking out a protest rally.

The protesters shouted similar slogans like "Punish guilty police commandos", "Repeal AFSPA from Manipur", "Stop fake encounters" etc.

One youth who was taking part in the protest rally said, "my elder brother Koijam Rajen of Pukhao Naharup Makha Leikai was found dead in 1997 after he was picked up by a combined security team from the home the previous day.

"As usual, the combined force came up with the false claim that my brother was killed in an encounter", he lamented.

Demanding an immediate halt to such fake encounters, the bereaved brother appealed to all concerned not to cause such misery to any family.

Protest demonstrations demanding justice in the July 23 fake encounter case were also staged at Phoijing community hall, Sagoltongba Lansonbi Bazar, Yurembam, Chingtham Leikai Pandol Keithel, Heirangoithong Volley ground, Mongshangei School Leirak, Lamlong Bazar Jiribam, Langthabal Phura Makhong, Langthabal Lep Thong Ahanbi, Heirangoithong Ningthemcha Karong and Kakwa Makha Nameirakpam Leikai.