Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 22:
Several thousand people came out on the streets today in various parts of the state, particularly in curfew bound greater Imphal, to stage peaceful demonstration against the Bangkok agreement extending the Centre-NSCN(IM) ceasefire on the last day of the four day civil disobedience movement called by the apex United Committee, Manipur.
Massive sit-in-demonstrations and peaceful rallies all over Imphal and other districts as the protests against the ceasefire extension continued unabated.
There were particularly huge gatherings at Kwakeithel and all along the Tiddim road, Khurai, Uripok, Thangmeiband and Lamphel Sanakeithel in the greater Imphal area and at Lilong and Thoubal bazar in Thoubal District.
A massive rally, in which an estimated 30000 people took part, marched in defiance of curfew this afternoon along the Nambol river road and the Tiddim road in protest against the ceasefire extension.
The rally originated at Mongsangei and proceeded along the Nambul river road till Keisampat then turned onto Tiddim road before returning to Mongsangei through Kwakeithel and the Khagempalli raod.
More than 5000 people of various communities participated in a huge sit-in demonstration at Lamphel Sanakeithel organized by the United Committee Organization, Lamphel.
The gathering also resoled to protect Manipur�s identity and preserve communal harmony.
It was also resolved that if India disintegrated Manipur, Manipur would disintegrate India.
Namthalong Kabui organization, Thangmeiband clubs and women organized a day long sit in protest at Thangmeiband Lairen Hanjabam in association with the Manipuri Students federation.
More than 4000 people staged a dharna at Singjamei parking.
Other demonstration were held at Moirangkhom, Yumnam Leikai, Thokchom Leikai, Chanam Pukhri Mapal, Ningthem Pukri Mapal, Sagolband Bijoygovinda, Heirangoithong, Nigthemcha Karong, Bashikhong and innumerable other areas.
A motorcycle rally was also taken out in various parts of Imphal city.
More than fifty eight thousand Muslims, most of them dressed in religious attire, took part in one of the biggest sit in demonstration at Lilong Bazar today.
The massive demonstration was organized by the United Manipur Muslim Organization to show that the entire Muslim populace of the states against the ceasefire extension to Manipur.
The speakers included MV Sayed Ahmed, imam, Babupara, P Naobi UCM representative and CO 17th Assam Rifles, Col.Dilawar, who stressed that anger and uncontrolled emotion have no place in finding any positive solution and urged for the preservation of communal harmony.
Col Dilawar further stated that �josh ke saath hosh� was the best policy in the present circumstances.