Sit-ins protest ring road plan, arrest of pradhan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 07 2022: The 'JAC against the construction of ring road connecting Ipum Mapal road' organised a sit-in protest in front of YOSC Club, Khurai Konsam Leikai demanding not to affect Ipum pat by the proposed Imphal ring road project.

The JAC also announced to block the road stretch on the side of Ipum pat connecting Khurai Konsam Leikai and Khurai Heikrumakhong from Sunday if no positive response is given to their demand.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, JAC member Ngathem Naobi recalled that they had already proposed to authorities concerned for diverting the ring road passing through the historic Ipum pat.

It is unfortunate that PWD staffers mocked them by stating that they will provide water pumps, he condemned.

The JAC considers preservation of the historic Ipum pat is vital.

Moreover, water of Ipum Pat (lake) is being used by three localities.

So, the JAC will fight tooth and nail if the government failed to fulfill their demand of diverting the ring road, Naobi asserted, while declaring that the road stretch on the side of Ipum Pat connecting Khurai Konsam Leikai and Khurai Heikrumakhong will be blocked indefinitely until their demands are fulfilled.

On the other-hand, locals staged a sit-in protest at Kyamgei Muslim Awang Leikai on Saturday to denounce the arrest of Kyamgei Muslim Arapti Gram Panchayat pradhan Md Saphauddin by Imphal West police commando after they took him on the pretext of having a talk.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, a woman protestor pointed out that Md Saphauddin has been working for the welfare of the people and is keen on developing the area.

No anti-social activity has ever been done by him till now.

It is illogical to arrest such leader by accusing him of involvement in planting a bomb at Arapti Mayai Leikai on April 4 by Irilbung police after he was taken for a talk the previous day.

The arrest and subsequent booking of pradhan Md Saphauddin under NSA is an act of conspiracy to end his political career, the protestor asserted.

Drawing the attention of authorities concerned to look into the matter, she urged for releasing the pradhan unconditionally.

Intense form of protest will be launched if authorities fail to release Saphauddin, she cautioned.

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