Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, August 06 2009:
Stating that the ongoing curfew in Imphal is a tool to subjugate the demands of the people, the Women Empowerment for Justice (a women's organisation) demanded to dismiss the six police commandos rather than suspension, who are involved in the July 23 shoot out at Khwairamband alleged as a 'fake encounter' by Tehelka, Delhi based weekly magazine.
Addressing the press conference held at Bamol Leikai, Imphal on Thursday, Laxmi Brahmacharimayum, president of the Women Empowerment of Justice stated that their organisation is not in favour of Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh's announcement of instituting a judicial enquiry and suspension of six police commandos involved in the alleged fake encounter of July 23 incident.
The guilty police commandos must be dismissed rather than suspending them, demanded the president.
Expressing discontentment for remaining mute by MLA Landhoni Devi (wife of Chief Minister Ibobi Singh) in such a situation, the president of Women Empowerment for Justice asserted that despite the fact that a pregnant woman was killed and few other women were injured in the July 23 incident Landhoni Devi has not reacted till now.
The silence of O.Landhoni in such a hue and cry is very shocking, added the president.
H.Ranju, member of Women Empowerment for Justice maintained that the ongoing curfew had affected in the day-to-day activities of the common people and the patients in particular.
The Anti Retro Viral Therapy (ART) patients had a hard time as all the chemist shops remained closed owing to the curfew, lamented the member.
She also asked how the pregnant women would face the problem during the delivery time.
Showing solidarity towards the Apunba Lup, H Ranju further informed that they would support any course of action taken up by Apunba Lup.
On the other hand, the students of Manipur University while interacting with media persons stated that the ongoing curfew and the bandhs have greatly affected the academic calendar of the students.
They further stated that the sounds of the tear gas shells and rubber bullets are horrifying them, which would also lead to psychiatric problems.
Expressing disbelief on the judicial enquiry announced on Wednesday by the chief minister regarding the July 23 incident, the Manipur University students reminded that previous case of Thangjam Manorama killed by the Assam Rifles personnel in the year 2004 were still impending under the judicial enquiry.
They further requested the Government of Manipur and the organizations to exempt the educational institutions during curfew and bandhs for the sake of the careers of the students who would be the pillars for the state and nation.