Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 03:
Eighteen activists of Manipur People's Party women wing continued with the relay hunger strike being launched by the party in front of its office on the second day of the agitation today.
The agitation is being launched demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur and punishment of guilty security personnel involved in killing of Thangjam Manorama and Saichang village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai.
The women activists were led by Gunabati Devi, president of the women wing.
The other 17 party workers who took part in the relay hunger strike are T Leinaotombi Devi, Th Memcha Devi, O Thoibi Devi, L Inakhunbi Devi, Kh Thasana Devi, K Mema Devi, P Rita Devi, A Bijentimala Devi, Romabati Devi, Y Sobita Devi, W Mema Devi, Kh Akashini Devi, O Ibechaobi Devi, L Memcha Devi, AK Subadhani Devi and M Landhoni Devi.
On the third day tomorrow, party's youth front activists would be taking part in the stir.
Communist Party of India, Kumbi Local Council, on the other hand, has exerted strongly pressure on the UPA Government at the Centre for considering the Manipuri's people demand for lifting Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in view of its blatant abuse by the security personnel.
Announcing its decision to extend full support and participation in the ongoing movement, assistant secretary of the council WC Bobychand Luwang further urged the Chief Minister to keep his promise of lifting the repressive Act within the deadline of August 15 as had been announced publicly.
United Peoples Club while strongly condemning the brutal murder of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles has appealed to the State Govt to revoke AFSPA from the State immediately and help the people to live peacefully without any fear.
It also appealed to the authorities concerned to arrest and punish the killers of Manorama immediately in accordance with the law of the land.
Members of the Association of Govt College Teachers Manipur in its executive committee meeting today have strongly denounced the brutal murder of Manorama.
Highlighting the rampant abuse of the AFSPA in the State by the security forces, the members also urged the Govt to repeal the repressive Act and help prevent unwanted killings in the State.
Terming the brutal killing of Manorama as inhumane and barbaric, Meghalaya Manipuri Welfare Society has appealed for the revocation of ApSPA from the State.
Numbers of the Society also staged a dharna Redland Laitumkhrah.
All Manipur Students' Union, IP Branch has come out strongly' against the Khundrakpam A/C MLA Lala for allegedly keeping mum on the issue of lifting AFSPA even people in different parts of the State are launching agitation.
It has also announced that the MLA would be boycotted by all the people, clubs, organizations, meira Paibis and students of the constituency from August 8 onwards if he does not make his stand known public and take part in the ongoing agitation.
All Manipur Muslim Organizations Co-ordinating Committee while stating the Muslim community in Manipur would contribute their mite towards the ongoing public movement, has announced that it would be organizing a mass sit-in-protest in association with other Muslim organizations like Kangleipak Muslim Chanura Development Organization, Association of Muslim Women Organization, All Manipur Muslim Women Development Organization and All Manipuri Muslim Students' Organization at Lilong Usoipokpi on Aug 5.