Imphal, Aug 19: Even as condemnations against the august 16 grenade attack inside the ISKCON temple complex continue to pour in unabated, sit-in-protests were staged at various places today to denounce the ghastly act.

Occupying nearly half the Tiddim Road, people in large number participated in a peaceful protest organised by Tourism and Rural Development Project-ISKCON, Toubul in front of the ISKCON entrance.

Apart from members of the Project, people from all walks of life including representatives of meira paibis of Toubal area and Kabui community congregated at the protest site.

At Lalambung Makhong the local meira paibis organised sit-in-protest to condemn the act of terrorism.

The protest session was also participated by school students.

Similar agitation was organised at JN Manipur Dance Academy premise, Changangei Keithel, Singjamei Super Market and Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai.

Meanwhile, GOC 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen EJ Kochekkan expressed his deep anguish on the wanton killing of innocent people at the ISKCON temple on August 16.A PIB (DW) statement conveyed of the Major General's heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who have lost their lives while hoping for speedy recovery of the injured.

Expressing shock, the GOC mentioned that the attack unleashed on a peaceful religious congregation isunprecedented in the pluralistic and culturally rich society of Manipur.

"This attack shows the mental make up of the perpetrators and utter lack of concern for the lives of innocent people".

All right thinking people, social bodies and organisations which value human life need to raise their voice in condemnation of the dastardly act, the Maj Gen continued and opined that the event also highlight the need to put an end to the spiral of violence apart from underlining the need to move towards peace.

Newmai News Network adds: The United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Women�s Union, Manipur (NWUM) condemned the ISKCON blast on August 16 and urged all to condemn the inhuman killing of believers.

The joint statement made available to this Network said the three Naga organisations are shocked at the killing of innocent people going for worship and seriously injuring several others while believers assembled for the Janmasthami celebration.

The Naga bodies also appealed to the culprits to 'save life and not take life'.

�It is very hard to believe even worship places are not safe in Manipur for the general public.

We feel who ever is responsible should come forward and clarify the barbaric act.

Ensure a congenial atmosphere for the general public who want to exercise the right to religion,� it stated.