Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 20:
Condemnations over the killing of 13 protesters and inflicting injuries to scores of people in CRPF firing on demonstrators who were protesting against the extension of cease-fire to Manipur continues to pour in.
Many social/voluntary organizations payed homage to the departed souls by observing two minutes silence.
The Zeliangrong Union, Imphal Zone, Sagolband Youth League, Namdulong Peikai, Sagolband Ingudam Leikai Youth Association, United Friends' Library & Club, Lamboikhongnangkhong, All India Students' Federation, Dharmalaya Social Welfare Centre Nahabam, YDC Thangapat Mapal, ELIO Bamon Leikai, SDDOL Bamon Leikai, Thouda Bhabok Leikai Women Development Society, Namthalong Village Authority, Manipur Gorkha Welfare Union, Moirangkhom Kabui Youth Club, Janmasthan Ongbi Mou Marup, Youth Welfare Club, Sagolband Thingom Leikai, 13 youth clubs of Lilong Chajing Karam Shantipur, MSF Lilong branch and meira paibis of the area, Langthabal Khaopum Cultural Club, Khangempali Ideal Club, All Moirang Auto Rickshaw Owners' Association Bishnupur district, Vaiphei National Organization Imphal Block New Lambulane and Welfare Club Langthabal while condemning the extension of cease-fire to Manipur, expressed shock at the death of 13 protestors in police firing on June 18 and urged the Central Government to review its decision.
The organizations also shared the grief of the bereaved families.
Manipuri Students' Federation, Head, Office flayed Home Minister for ignoring the sentiment of the people and taking decisions without consulting the people of the State.
MSF also blamed the political leaders of Manipur for maintaining silence and inaction even after its people were massacred in firing by security forces.
MSF warned the Centre to review its decision to prevent bloodshed amongst brothers.
The ZU, Imphal urged the Centre to review the truce reached with NSCN (IM) and pledged support to any agitations for safeguarding Manipur's territory.
The ZU further appealed to all communities to maintain calm and harmony in this hour of crisis.
The Youth Welfare Club, Sagolband Thingom Leikai described the cease-fire extension as a nefarious design by the Central Government to disintegrate Manipur.
Sagolband Youth League expressed dismay at the statement of Prime Minister AB Vajpayee that no territory of Manipur will be compromised following the extension of cease-fire between the Centre and NSCN (IM) to the State.
A press release of SYL lambasted Vajpayee for not abiding to his earlier assurances that the truce agreement will not be extended to the State.
Congress president O Ibobi condemned the killing and demanded a judicial probe.
Joint DMC Students Union condoled the death of 13 protesters.
Bansoknu Kabui (Inpui) Development Association condoled the deaths and said it will extend support to the fight for protection of territorial integrity of Manipur.
It also opposed the truce area extension.
Kuki Movement for Human Rights chairman Dr Lungkim demanded a judicial inquiry in the firing incident.
Former Lok Sabha MP Kim Gangte said the Centre and the BJP should stop playing divide and rule policy and added that there is still time for the Centre to correct its wrong policies.
Residents of Thangmeiband will put up black flags at the entrance of all households on the day of the asthi of 13 persons killed in CRPF firing, according to the Thangmeiband Youth Organization.
It has also condoled the victims.
Effigies of the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, K Padmanabhaiah, Th Muivah, 60 MLAs of the State assembly and the three MPs were buried in the banks of a river after residents of Sangaiyumpham paraded them in a demonstration in Sangaiyumpham part I and II today.
The demonstrators charged that the MLAs and MPs of Manipur should bear the responsibility for the death of 13 persons and injuries of several others on June 18.