Zillai demands release of arrested youths
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 09 2012:
Urging the immediate release of two 'innocent' youths including a Class IX student, of the Vaiphei community who were arrested as proscribed PLA cadres by security forces, Eastern Block of Zillai (Vaiphei students' association) warned of launching intense agitation if the demand is not fulfilled at the earliest.
Speaking to media persons today at the Manipur Press Club hall, Gou Vaiphei, president of Zillai Eastern Block, said Paulianmawi Vaiphei (23) of Kananphai, near Andro Khunnou Taorangthel and Manglianlal Vaiphei (14) of Molkonbung were picked from their residences by a combined team of Thoubal district police commandos and 15 AR on October 5 .
However, the statement of the PRO of IGAR (S), published in local papers, claimed that the duo were PLA cadres and one magazine, a 9 mm pistol along with three live rounds and explosive components were recovered from their possession, Agou pointed out.
Asserting that the two youth were innocents, having no link whatsoever with any militant group, Gou strongly condemned the act of the security forces in arresting and detaining them.
He said that Paulianmawi, who is living only with his mother, is a daily bread earner while Manglianlal is a Class IX student of a private school.
Though they were arrested from their residences, the AR statement claimed that they were apprehended during a search operation, without issuing an arrest memo, Agou said.
Gou further warned that Zillai would launch intense agitation if the two youth were not released immediately.The RPF/PLA, it may be mentioned, had also disowned the duo.