Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13:
Joining the ongoing mass movement for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and punishment of Assam Rifles' personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi and Saichang village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai, Shumang Leela artistes of the State staged a sit-in-protest demonstration at the Palace compound State Shumang Leelacomplex from 9 am to 4 pm today.
The agitation was organised under the aegis of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council.
Film artistes and technicians of Manipur would also be taking out a silent procession to press the demand for lifting of AFSPA from Manipur completely on August 15.The procession would commenced from Usha Cinema hall, Imphal at 9 am and proceed till RIMS Hospital where the film artistes and technicians would donate their blood for the sake of those who suffered physically injuries in police action during the course of the ongoing mass agitation.
The decision to take out the silent procession and donate blood was taken during ajoint meeting of the joint forum of All Manipur Video Film Makers and Producers Assn, Cine Artistes and Technicians Assn, Cine Exhibitors Assn of Manipur and All Manipur Film Producers' Assn held at Friends' Talkies today, co-convenor Tollo Thongam informed in a statement.
The meeting while condemning killing of Manorama and Jamkholet by security personnel also resolved to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister to exert pressure for complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur and punishment of killers of Manorama and Jamkholet, the statement disclosed.
A rnass sit-in-protest demonstration by students of schools and colleges located in and around Oinam area today staged a sit-in-protest demonstration at Oinam Bazar demanding complete withdrawal of AFSPAfrom Manipur and punishment of killers of Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai.
The schools and colleges which took part in the protest demonstration are Brighter English Academy, Oinam; Oinam Boy's High School; Comprehensive School, Oinam; Oinam Thambal Marik College, Oinam Government Girls' High School.
The protest demonstration was held from 11 am to 3 pm and student shouted slogans during the demonstration.
Heingang Mandal Mahila Morcha of Bharatiya Janata Party also organized a sit-in-protest demonstration at Khabam Lamkhai against killing of Thangjam Manorama and Jamkholet Khongsai by security personnel.
Around 1500 people took part in the protest demonstration.
The gathering vehemently rejected partial lifting of AFSPA from Manipur and resolved to intensify the ongoing mass agitation for withdrawal of the Act from the State.
Around 2000 people belonging to various social organizations under Ngaikhong Gram Panchayat yesterday took out a protest rally braving police action to demand lifting of AFSPA and punishment of guilty Assam Rifles personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and Jamkholet.
The agitationists later submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through Bishnupur DC.