Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19:
Justifying the mass uprising of the people against the extra judicial killing of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles, Democratic Revolutionary People's Party (DRPP) vice president RK Anand said that his party has been supporting the agitation of the people and will continue to do so until and unless the demands of the people are met.
Speaking at a press conference at his Kwakeithel residence this afternoon, Anand asserted that arresting and punishing the guilty AR personnel will not pacify the public until and unless the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was completely lifted from the State and added that there was no other solution other than lifting the draconian laws from the State to end the ongoing agitation of the people.
Stating that removing or retaining the Disturbed Area Status tag from the State was within the powers of the ruling SPF Govt, Anand said that Chief Minister O Ibobi was trying to fool the public by maintaining that Prime Minister and Union Home Minister's approval was needed for lifting the Disturbed Area Status from the State.
He also appealed to the public to rise up and launch a movement for the removal of Disturb Area Status from the State.
Commenting on the all political parties meeting convened yesterday, Anand said that the meeting was meaningless and useless as no concrete decision was taken regarding lifting of Armed Forces Special Power Act from the State.
He also reiterated that nothing short of complete removal of the draconian laws from the State will satisfy the public.
He also stated that it would be better for the people to have an alternative Govt if the ruling SPF Govt cannot remove the Disturb Area Status from the State.
Aid contributor: Several organizations and individuals extended monetary and material contributions to emergency relief committees opened at JN Hospital and RIMS to assist injured persons being treated following agitations in the wake of Th Manorama's killing.
Besides the above mentioned aids All Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Assn and Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur branch are providing ambulance services to ferry injured persons and other agitation related emergencies.