Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 02:
Angry protestors today shouted slogans at the houses of MPs, Ministers and MLAs demanding action against the killers of Thangjam Manorama and revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 which has gained notoriety for its rampant abuse by security personnel in Manipur and other parts of the North Eastern region.
A mass silent rally was taken out under the aegis of the Working Committee of the 32 organizations spearheading the ongoing public agitation from Pungdongbam this afternoon.
As the silent protestors including young students of Lamlai Higher Secondary School approached the Nongada residence of FCS Minister Ph Parijat, local Meira Paibis who were staging sit-in-protest just opposite to the Minister�s residence started shouting slogans demanding lifting of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and punishment of guilty AR personnel.
Boosted by the undaunted courage of the Meira Paibis who have been demonstration since early morning in defiance of police action, the young rallists insisted on holding a sit-in-protest demonstration inside the compound of Minister�s house.
However, strong security forces including the OC of Lamlai Police Station who were already keeping close vigil at the Minister�s house prevented from holding the demonstration.
Later the Meira Paibis and the students led by MAFYF president Sapamcha Kangleipal allowed themselves to be arrested by the police.
As all the protestors could not be transported in one Mini Tata, some of them volunteered to walk down till Lamlai police station shouting slogans all along the way.
A large number of students from Liberal College, Luwangshangbam, Sangai Hr Sec School, Manipur Public School, Koirengei, Maria Montesori, North High School and Sribon High School also demonstrated at the gate of local MLA N Biren at Koirengei.
They also shouted slogans demanding removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and punishment of AR personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama.