ILP Demand: Torch rallies taken out in defiance of CrPc 144
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 27 2014 : Demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the State and shouting slogans against the excesses committed by the police on the students who were taking part in the protest in connection with the demand; women folks under the aegis of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), Women's Wing took out torch rallies in different parts of the State this evening.

There were no reports of any untoward incident during these protest rallies which were taken out in defiance of the prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC and deployment of a large number of security personnel.

For a change, there was also no news about police firing tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.

ILP Demand: Torch rallies taken out in defiance of CrPc 144

A massive torch organized jointly by Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup and Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup, Moreh started from the office of Meitei Council, Moreh at around 7 pm.

Women folks from Muslim Women's Development Association, Moreh also participated in the rally.

Slogans such as 'Implement ILP system in the State', 'Do not let entry of non-locals without permit', 'Save indigenous people from the clutches of non-locals', 'Do not let non-locals rule the State' etc were chanted during the rally.

Similar rallies were also organized by Bamon Leikai Youth Club, Thoubal in and around Yairipok.

There were also reports of taking out torch rallies in different parts of Bishnupur district.

Several placards reading, 'We condemn beating of students by police', 'Implement ILP system in the State' etc were used in the protest rallies. Despite imposition of CrPc 144 in Imphal West and East district, which prohibits assembly of more than five people, taking out of rally or carrying of harmful objects; women folks came out in large number and took part in the rallies in defiance of the restriction order.

Areas where torch rallies were witnessed in Imphal East and West included Sega Road Thouda Bhabok Leikai, Uripok, Singjamei, Kakwa, Naoremthong, Heirangoithong, Thangmeiband, Khurai, Tinsid Road, Kongba, Keishamthong Top Leirak, Bamon Kampu, Irilbung, Keirao Bitra, Machahal, Okram Chuthek, Kongba Ucheckon, Basikhong, Wangkhei, Porompat, Ayangpali, Top, Kongpal, Pourabi, Keibi, Lamlai, Chalou, Heikru Makhong, Moirangkhong, Bamon Leikai, Haobam Marak, Kwakeithel, etc.

To thwart any untoward incident, large numbers of security personnel were deployed in all the areas where the rallies were taken out.

In places like Keishampat, Maharani Bridge and Moirangkhomg security barricades were used to stop the rallies from marching further.

Police allowed the women folks to take out the rallies by diverting the route here and there in order to stop them from entering the high security zone.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the curfew clamped in and around all government offices and departments by JCILPS, Students' Wing, the State government has instructed the police department to initiate prompt measures to save its departments from setting aflame by protesters.

As per orders issued by the District administrations of Imphal East and Imphal West, employees in various government departments have also started spending night in their offices.