Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 19:
Protests for complete removal of AFSPA from the State continued unabated in different parts of the city today with protesters indulging pitched battles with security forces.
At Kongba, Uchekon Bazar and Nandeibam Leikai, protesters blocked the road by burning tyres and putting jogs and other material in the middle of the road.
However the protesters were dispersed by State police personnel who came at around 9 am and resorted to firing rubber bullets and tear gas shell.
Meira paibis also blocked the Imphal-Yairipok road by hanging Phanek in the middle of the road and also engaged in a pitched battle with police personnel who had come to disperse the mob.
Security personnel aga,in resorted to firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets while the protesters retaliated with catapults and stones.
Meanwhile at Wangkhei Konsam Leikai protester burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Olbobi.
Banner reading "Down with colonial rule", "remove AFSPA" etc were also put up at Wangkheimayum Leirak.
Protesters of Kyamgei and Langthabal also set up road block on the Imphal-Moreh road near Kyamgei by cutting down trees on the road side.
At Singjamei Bazar, local of the area came out in large number and block the road with stones and logs thus preventing vehicular movement in the area.
However, security forces arrived at around 11 am and dispersed the agitators by firing rubber bullet and tear gas shell.
Meira paibis of Yairipok area today set up road block at Yairipok Azad Hr Secondary School Lamkhai as a mark of protest against the imprisonment of one Ibetombi Devi at Sajiwa jail by Yairipok police yesterday.
Mention may be made here that Ibetombi was arrested by Yairipok police while staging a sit in protest at Yairipok yesterday.
Meanwhile students numbering about 700/800 carried out a rally from Andro to Yairipok this morning at around 11 demanding for complete removal of AFSPA from the State.
The rallyists were however dispersed by security personnel who resorted to firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets near the Poirou Khongjin Lamkhai.