Imphal, September 18: With the Government not ready to listen to the public outcry for complete withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, which gives unrestrained power to the security forces, there has been no let up in the over two-month long mass agitation with sit-in-protests, rallies, burning of effigies and class boycott becoming an order of the order.

As part of the ongoing agitation for complete removal of the Act which had earned the sobriquet of draconian for its excessive power given to the armed security personnel, a mass sit-in-protest was staged at Huikap Bazar today.

Later protestors formed human chain and shouted slogans denouncing excesses of the security personnel and demanding punishment of AR personnel responsible for killing Th Manorama.

The protest demonstration was organised under the joint auspices of the Young Farmers' Club, Youth Development Association, Youth Welfare Association and Huikap Women's Development Association.

Sit-in-protest was also held at Awang Sekmai Bazar yesterday demanding lifting of AFSPA and punishment of the killers of Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai.

A large number of local Meira Paibis and club volunteers took part in the demonstration who pledged to intensify the ongoing stir and decided to organize many more such demonstration in different parts of Awang Sekmai areas till September 21.Meira Paibis of four localities of Khurai area also staged sit-in-protest at Khurai Thongkhong today demanding complete lifting of the draconian Act from the entire State.

The Meira Paibis of the four localities who took part in the agitation are Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai, Khurai Chingangbam Leikai, Khurai Sajor Leikai and Khurai Laishram Leikai.

A mass protest rally was also taken out against AFSPA at Ukhongshang in Thoubal district today.

Around 2000 people coming various places like Ukhongshang, Hijam Khunou, Singkhong Shumbi, Nongpok Sekmai, Toubul, Lourembam and Leibithet participated in the demonstration.

The rally commenced from Ukhongshang Society ground and passed through Hijam Khunou, Nongpok Sekmai and Aripat before converging at the starting point, where a public meeting was held.

During the meeting the rallyists pledged to continue their support and cooperation to the Apunba Lup till the demands of the people have been fulfilled.

The protest rally was organized by Ukhongshang Clubs Organization in response to the call of the Apunba Lup spearheading the ongoing agitation.

Volunteers of Manipur Forward Youth Front Sagolband branch burned the effigies of PM Manmohan, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Chief Minister O Ibobi at Sagolband Thangjam Leirak yesterday evening as a mark of protest against the indifferent attitude of the Central leaders and State Govt towards the demand of the people.

At Uripok Kangchup Road, MAFYF volunteers also set ablaze the effigies of various Central leaders and Chief Minister O Ibobi yesterday afternoon at around 2.30.Meanwhile, expressing solidarity to the ongoing agitation, Manipur Sanskrit College students' union has announced to boycott class on September 20.The students' union of Oinam High School, Oinam has also boycotted all the classes till September 20.Taking serious note of the prevailing academic atmosphere in the State in the wake of the mass class boycott agitation by the students, All Students Guardians' Assn, Manipur has appealed to the Government to resolve the impasse by having talks with the agitating students.

United Keirao Assembly Segment people's Apex Organization, while denouncing the indifferent attitude of the Government towards the public demand for lifting of AFSPA from Manipur has asked elected representatives to understand the pulse of the people.

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