Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 05:
Protest demonstrations continued to be staged at different parts of the State demanding the complete revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and giving fitting punishment to the AR personnel responsible for killing Thangjam Manorama and Saichang village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai.
Womenfolk in large number formed human chains at Moidangpokpi, Keithelmanbi and Patsoi demanding revocation of AFSPA from entire the State of Manipur and fitting action against the killers of Manorama and Jamkholet.
Responding to the protest call given by Loijing Loya Apunba Lup, mass sit-in-protest demonstrations were also held at different places of Khundrakpam and Saikul ACs like Pangei, Pukhao, Yumnam Khunou, etc.
People belonging to different communities took part in the protest demonstration raising the pitch of public demand for withdrawing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and punishment of AR personnel involved in the killing of Manorama and Jamkholet Khongsai.
Torch rallies were also taken out last night at Ngairangbam, Khumbong, Laingamkhun, Khaidem and Salang Sabal demanding complete removal of AFSPA from Manipur, punishment of guilty AR personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai and release of all the arrested public leaders without any condition.
A large number of womenfolk of the area took part in the protest rallies organized under the aegis of Manipurgi Ngamkhei Kanba Lup NH-53.Later the demonstrators converged at Khumbong Bazar where a joint meeting was held.
During the meeting the womenfolk reiterated the decision to extend full cooperation to any future course of actions taken by the Apunba Lup as well as to intensify the ongoing agitation.
They also observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the departed souls of Chittaranjan and Memita who have sacrificed their lives for the public cause and hailed the courage of the 12 mothers who disrobed their dresses protested in front of gate of Assam Rifles at Kangla.
Torch rallies were also reportedly taken out at Irilbung, Sangaithel, Kacleikhul, Maklang, Luker, Leitong, Tairenpokpi, Haorang Keirel as well as Sekta tonight.
Meanwhile, stepping up the ongoing agitation, Kongba branches of all AMSU, DESAM and MSF have jointly announced indefinite class boycott of all the schools and colleges located within their respective jurisdiction with effect from tomorrow.
A joint statement of the students' bodies asserted that prevailing atmosphere is not conducive for the students to concentrate their mind in studies.
The Government should ensure remain of normalcy so that the academic atmosphere is not affected.
So long as the Govt remain adamant to fulfillment of public demand for complete withdrawal of AFSPA, there can be no peace in the State, the joint statement said, informing that the class boycott would remain in force till there is normalcy and peace in the State.
Coming out strongly against use of brute force against the protestors, the students' bodies asserted that the democratic agitation of the people could never be suppressed by using force and arresting public leaders.
The students� body also strongly condemned the State police forces for allegedly assaulting general secretary of AMSU HQs after being arrested and detention of MAFYF president in police custody.