Ukhrul rally demands release of N Shimray
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 16 2012: Thousands of people took part in a public rally at Ukhrul district headquarters demanding the immediate and unconditional release of NSCN-IM's Head of Foreign Affairs, Anthony Shimray under the aegis of Committee for Release of Ningkhan Shimray in collaboration with village headmen and other Tangkhul Naga frontal organisations today.

The participants, drawn from various villages of Ukhrul district, displayed placards and banners reading, 'Release Ningkhan Shimray unconditionally,' 'We condemn fake charges,' 'We condemn kidnapping of peace talk member,' 'We stand for Ningkhan Shimray,' 'We demand meaningful peace forum, 'We want peace restored,' etc.

The protesters also raised slogans at the Tangkhul Naga Long ground.

School kids taking part in the Ukhrul rally

Later, when the rally converged at the TNL Ground, representatives of Tangkhul Naga Long (Tangkhul-Naga Council), Tangkhul Wungnao Long (Tangkhul Headmen's association), Tangkhul Shanao Long (students' organisation), Tangkhul Mayar Naga Long (Youth Forum), Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Imphal strongly condemned the arrest of Anthony Shimray by India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agents and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

Anthony Ningkhan Shimray was reportedly arrested from Kathmandu's International Airport on September 27, 2010 enroute to New Delhi to participate in the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talk slated for September 29, 2010 .

He is presently languished at Tihar jail in New Delhi on the charge of waging war against India and purchasing arms.

A memorandum signed by 14 headmen of Tangkhul villages was submitted to the Prime Minister of India through the DC of Ukhrul demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Ningkhan Shimray.

The rallyists have also decided to write a letter to the PM for Ningkhan's unconditional release, to sign a postcard to the PM for his unconditional release, to organise public meetings, rallies, protest or prayer groups for his release and to extend moral support to Ningkhan Shimray.

Anthony Ningkhan Shimray hails from Tasar village of Ukhrul district.

His family including a son, two daughters and his wife lives in the village.