Sit-in protest demanding release of Irabanta
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 05 2012:
Women vendors of three Ima keithels today staged sit-in-protest demanding immediate release of Irungbam Irabanta, who is still untraceable after he had been abducted by the cadres of NSCN (IM) .
Shoppers in these three Ima markets had to return empty handed as all the vendors ceased the day's business and took part in the protest.
Later, the protesting womenfolk took the street and tried to proceeded towards CM's residence to submit a memorandum in this regard.
However, police blocked them on BT Road, near BT Flyover.
A seven-member team of the protesters were allowed to meet Home Minister G Gaikhangam, who assured them to do the needful in consultation with the Central Government.
Later, speaking to reporters at Ima Keithel, the women vendors alleged that the State and Central Governments are allowing free hand to NSCN (IM) as the governments remain silent on various human rights violations indulged by the outfit.
The women vendors asked how Irabanta's whereabouts are still untraceable despite the fact that the man who went out with Irabanta, identified as Winner, had been rounded up by police and sent to jail.
They further warned that different forms of agitation would be initiated if Irabanta's whereabouts are not revealed by the Government by September 10 .