Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 09:
Members of the business community in Imphal joined the anti-ceasefire extension agitation in a big way by taking out a huge rally in the heart of city this morning to oppose the extension of the Centre-NSCN (IM) ceasefire to Manipur.
More than 10,000 people-around 30,000, according to the organizers, participated in the rally, including, apart for the non-Manipuri business community, large number of Kabuis, Muslims, Nepalis as well as several other tribal community.
The rally, organized by the Imphal bazar community, was launched from the Marwari Dharmashala and passed through Thangal Bazar, Samumakhong and Paona Bazar.
The rallyists apparently planned to proceed till the Raj Bhavan, but were stopped by security forces art Keishampat junction.
Many protestors wore black aprons with the slogan �Save Territorial Integrity of Manipur� and carried black flags and festoons and placards demanding withdrawal of the decision to extend the NSCN (IM) ceasefire to Manipur.
the slogans featured included �Advani, do not try to disintegrate Manipur�, �No more communal riot�, �We want peace�, etc.
a 12 member delegation, with representatives of each community, submitted a memorandum to the Governor, Ved Marwah, while other protestors staged a peaceful dharna at Keishampat.
The memorandum, demanding the immediate withdrawal of ceasefire, said that due to the extension of NSCN (IM) ceasefire, the sentiments of the people have been hurt.
It also raised fears of communal riots if immediate steps are not taken.
The memorandum also urged the Governor to convey the sentiments of the people to the concerned authorities so that peace and normalcy can be restored to the place.