Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 02:
Protest demonstrations against the ceasefire extension were reported from different parts of the state today.
About 300 women from Khurai Konsam Leikai today staged a sit-in at Kongpal Khaidem Leikai.
Around 60 women of Kongpal Awang Leikai, 40 women of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai and 50 women of Wangkhei Puja Lampak also staged sit-in demonstrations today protesting extension of cease-fire, according to official sources.
In Imphal West district, about 50 women staged a sit-in demonstration at Sagolband Tera Bazar today, according to official sources.
Nawaz Khan Tbouba adds from Thoubal: Residents in Kakching area tonight paid candle-light tribute to the 14 �martyrs� who laid down their precious lives on June 18 for the cause of territorial integrity of Manipur.
Candles were lit up in every house in Kakching area tonight around 8.30 to pay homage to the 14 departed souls.
Candles were also lit up at the memorial site of Jananeta Hijam Irabot at Kakching by the Whiz Kids Society during the curfew hours tonight and homage paid to the 14 �martyrs�.
Earlier, several demonstrations against the cease-fire extension to Manipur were staged today in Kakching area defying prohibitions under Section 144 CrPC.
Several hundreds of youths early this evening burned effigies of Prime Minister Atal BihariVajpayee, Union home minister LK Advani and NSCN(IM) general secretary Th Muivah protesting the recent cease-fire extension agreement.
Meanwhile, mobile public meetings were organized today by the volunteers of AMSU at Thoubal Wangma Taba, Ningang Khong and Pakhang Khong with a view to preserve communal harmony in the state.
Discussions on the present situation in the state were also held during the meetings.
K Sarat adds from Jiribam: About 80 workers including women of Manipur State Congress Party, Jiribam unit, staged a sit-in protest at Jiribam Bazar today at the MSRTC complex: The sit-in will continue for a week at the same site while more than 50 members of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Jiribam unit, including women also staged another-sit-in near the statue of Hijam Irabot at Jiribam.
Demonstrators of both parties displayed placards reading "we condemn the extension of cease-fire into Manipur".