Mass protests continue unabated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 14 2015 : The ongoing mass protest for enforcement of ILPS in Manipur or enactment of a similar legislation went on unabated with people staging protest demonstrations at different localities today.

The protesters also burnt effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

They also decried the killing of Sapam Robinhood apart from demanding befitting punishment of the police personnel involved in the killing of the student.

Local Meira Paibis of Singjamei Chingamakha, Salai Apunba Nupi Lamjing Lup, Women Development Wing, Ningol Shintha Lup Irom Leirak blocked roads and demanded enforcement of ILPS.

A sit-in-protest was staged at Wangkhei Koijam Leikai community under the aegis of the Tokpam Apunba Nupi Lup and it was followed by a mass rally.

They denounced the brute force unleashed by police upon unarmed students and other protesters.

A sit-in protest being staged

A similar protest demonstration was also staged at Wangkhei Meihoubam Lampak under the aegis of Wangkhei Nongpok Leingak Apunba Lup.

There one protester said that elected public leaders should not act against people's common interest.

She said that they are all prepared to launch more intense forms of agitation.

Womenfolk of Yaiskul Police Lane also joined the protest movement.

They asserted that the identity and the future of indigenous people are becoming quite bleak in Manipur in the absence of any Constitutional safeguard.

A sit-in-protest was staged on the same issue in front of Subha Hospital, RIMS Road.

Some other places where protest demonstrations were staged demanding enforcement of ILPS or similar mechanism were Ucheckon Yuvraj Palli, Ahongshangbam Leikai, Liwa Lambi, Top Makha Leikai, Leimapokpam Mayai Leikai, Pishum, Sabungkhok and Yaingangpokpi.

Organisation for a Better Society, Western Palace Compound and Mahabali Kabui women also staged a protest demonstration at Palace Compound blocking major sections of the road.

Speaking to media persons, Organisation for a Better Society secretary A Mohandas Singh said the protests would intensify if the State rules against the people's demands.

Mahabali Kabui Women leader Khambi Khagembam said the Kabui community would wholeheartedly support the people's demand for implementation of ILP.

Meanwhile, a large number of protester led by Panthoibi Street Vendors Union blocked the northern section of Khuman Lampak road in support of the JCILPS' 14 hours general-strike today.

Union president Kh Chandrapriya said they will intensify their protests in case the State Government fails to pass the ILP Bill during the special Assembly session to be held tomorrow.

Vehicles, excepting medical and such other emergencies, were forced to return from the area of protest.

Shops and markets at Leimaram remained closed during the curfew break today to show the people's support for the 14 hour general strike imposed by JCILPS.

Protesters led by All Manipur Scheduled Caste Students' union (AMSCSU), Leimaram branch also blocked Leimaram roads.