Awang Khunou protests unwarranted arrest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10 2014 :
A sit-in protest cum mass rally was organised today at Awang Khunou Mayai Leikai against the arrest of two persons�Laishram Bir Singh and Khwairakpam Khogendro alias Amujao, on May 2 and 7 allegedly by 10 AR Singda post and to demand unconditional release of the arrested duo.
Organised by the Awang Khunou Women's Welfare Association, the sit in was held in the premises of Awang Khunou Mayai Leikai Nisha Bandh office.
Member of the Association, Sagolshem Sharmila said that one Laishram Bir Singh (36) was arrested by a team of 10 AR in the intervening night of May 2 and 3 from his house at Awang Khunou Mayai Leikai.
She dismissed the AR's claim through newspapers that he was apprehended during an operation launched in Heibongpokpi area as baseless while claiming that Bir Singh was an innocent.
Khwairakpam Manibabu, father of Kh Khogendro (27), who took part in the sit-in said that some persons in civil dress came to their house in the early morning of May 7 and took out his son for a talk.
Some AR personnel were there outside the house who took him along with them.
Claiming that no arrest memo was issued when his son was arrested, Manibabu said that the AR personnel refused to issue the same when asked for.
He rejected outright the claim of the AR who said that he was arrested from Tairenbikok along with arm and ammunition when he was actually arrested from his house right before him.
Manibabu further said that his son was out on bail since the last few years and he got married three months before.
He is leading a normal life with his wife since then.
The protesters have also said that the arrest of the two has created fear psychosis among the residents while appealing all concerned not to repeat such incidents in future.
They also warned of launching intense forms of agitation unless the two persons are released unconditionally before May 15 .
A mass rally was also held after the sit-in.
Protesters raised slogans like 'We condemn arrest of civilians,' 'Release them immediately,' 'We condemn the conduct of AR,' etc during the rally.