Police tear festoons on vehicles bound for Khongjom
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 23 2011:
A police team led by an SI allegedly tore down festoons carrying slogans like "Athoubasing-gi Numit Khongjom Day", "Athoubasing-na Kathok-e Emaleibakidamak" displayed in front of vehicles transporting people to participate in the Khongjom Day Observation at Kheba Ching today.
The incident of tearing down of festoons from the vehicles took place around 10.30 am today at Thoubal Wangmataba, alleged AMUCO president KT Rehman who strongly condemned the act of the police.
Briefing reporters, Rehman went on to say that around 55 vehicles left for Khongjom today from AMUCO office premises to take part in the offering of floral tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the protection of the independence of Manipur in 1891 .
Alleging that the tearing down of the festoons by the police team led by a Sub-Inspector was an instance of the government's attempt to send a wrong message to the people, and the AMUCO strongly condemns the act, the president said.
AMUCO had arranged the vehicles considering that it is the bounden duty of the citizens of the state to pay homage to the heroes of yesteryears who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland.
The vehicles were carrying, among others, members of the Kabui Mothers's Association, Zeliangrong Union, Imphal Zone, Jadonang Memorial Council, All Manipur Muslims Development Organisation, COHR, AMESCO, NIPCO and Irabot Foundation, he added.
The police action was uncalled for, said Thounaojam Iboyaima who also took part in the briefing adding that it was a part of police excess meted out towards the people.