Imphal, October 17, 2008: In protest against the last night's incident of firing attack by unidentified gunmen at the Uripok Achom Leikai residence of Chairperson of Imphal Municipal Council Meinam Ongbi Ranisana Devi, people of the locality as well as the staff and members of the Council staged protest demonstration at different places today.

In the firing attack carried out by two unidentified gunmen coming on a motor cycle, the Gypsy of the Chairperson stationed near the gate of the residence suffered some damages.

Womenfolk of the locality organised the protest demonstration staged along the side of Imphal-Kangchup Road while the staff and members of the Council demonstrated near the gate of the IMC.

In connection with the attack, the Chairperson said there are instances in which most of the UG groups expressed opposition to the move being made for inviting tender for operating the vehicle parking toll collection.

Over and above this, there is the demand for giving 2 percent of the total amount provided by the Transport Department to the Council for taking over the Central Bus Terminus at KhUman Lampak.

The task for handing over the operation of 14 vehicle parking toll including five to be set up newly to the private, players has not yet been finalised and the amount provided by the Transport Department for taking over the Bus Terminus had already been utilised, Ranisana informed.

After the cancellation of all the earlier organisations which were operating the vehicle parking toll, now the arrangement is being made to invite open tender from registered bodies for the same purpose, she added.

Meanwhile, in a statement made available to the press,' secretary of Uripok Achom Leikai Nupi Lup Nongthombam Subadani Devi said that " unabated firing attacks in populated areas inspite of public outcry is really unfortunate.

Even if there are disagreements, the same could be sorted out peacefully through talks.

Bomb and firing attacks at the private residences of any person would not bring about any social change or peace, the statement said, while appealing to all concerned to ensure such incidents do not recur and come out with an explanation on the the last night's firing attack at the residence of IMC Chairperson.