Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 16:
The Working Committee of the Apunba Lup has called a State wide general strike from tomorrow following the death of Pebam Chitaranjan Mangang who committed self immolation to demand the withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.
Spokesman of the Apunba Lup, S Umakanta while talking to newsmen today evening, also demanded the resignations of the 60 MLAs within 5 days time, from the completion of the funeral rites of Chittaranjan.
The spokesman also demanded the repeal of the AFSPA from Manipur and North East region and punishment of the killers of Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and Th Manorama.
The general strike would remain in force till the mortal remains of Chittaranjan has been completely consigned to flames, publicity sub committee of the Working Committee announced in a statement.
The statement also appealed to all the people to cease work for the day and take part in the funeral procession of Chitaranjan which would pass through all the important roads.
It further appealed to the people to light torches in their respective houses till the body of Chitaranjan has been completely consigned to flames and draw inspiration from the 'courageous youth' to carry forward the ongoing agitation.
Reacting to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh's address at the Independence Day function yesterday, the Working Committee said that the demand of the people for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur who have suffered untold miseries at the hands of security personnel should not be confused with insurgency.
As to the Chief Minister's assertion that the Act can be removed immediately if there is any social organization that is ready to take the responsibility for ensuring the insurgents would stop their activities, the Working Committee termed it as an irresponsible remark and countered how far the Chief Minister has been able to contain law and order situation in the State since imposition of the Act.
Imposition of the draconian Act has benefited none but the Ministers and MLAs who are at the helms of power and the security personnel in unleashing reign of terror among the people with impunity, it said.
As for lack of development in the State, it the Ministers who are siphoning off the public exchequer who are responsible, the Working Committee stated.
Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU) has also ridiculed Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh's address to the people on the occasion of Independence Day wherein he appealed to the people to eschew violence and maintain peace, by asserting that it is the Chief Minister himself who is responsible for the present turmoil in Manipur.
In a statement, MUSU president H Ashirjit Luwang denounced that divide and rule policy being allegedly played by the Chief Minister among the people in lifting AFSPA from Imphal Municipal area only.
It has got nothing to do with fulfilling the aspiration of the people, but to keep his Ministry intact, he remarked.