Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 17:
The Mangani Leihun Tamba ceremony of Kongjenbam Memita who succumbed to the injuries suffered in police action during the mass court arrest agitation at Lamlai on August 7 was performed today with many people corning out to pay rich floral tributes to the departed soul defying restrictions imposed under 144 CrPC.
Memita passed away on August 13 at JN Hospital, where she was undergoing treatment for rubber bullets and tear gas shells injuries she suffered during the agitation launched as part of the ongoing mass movement for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.
Apart from the main ceremonial function held at her Keibi Taret Khul birthplace, the Mangani Leihun Tamba ceremony was also held at Konung Marhang, Khurai, Khoyathong, Kongba, Kwakeithel, Tera, Iribung, Nambol, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Singjamei, Canchipur, Porompat, Checkon, Kwairamband, Chingmeirong, Mantripukhri, Khabam Lamkhai and Mayang Imphal.
Thousands of people today paid fitting floral tributes to the departed soul.
At the memorial service held at Keibi Taret Khul, the response of the people was overwhelming and police resorted to firing several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the mourners.
Meanwhile, the Co-ordination Committee for Removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, in a statement has strongly condemned the police action on the people who came out to pay their respect to the departed soul of Memita.
Floral tributes and homage was also paid to Pebam Chitaranjan Mangang of Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai who burnt himself to death to demand the withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur on August 15 at Bishnupur Bazar.
A memorial service held at Sega Takhellambam Road, Takhellambam Leikai today during which local people in large number came out to pay floral tributes to Chitaranjan.
People who have gathered at the occasion also observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to his departed soul.
Later they stood on either side of Sega Road shouting slogans denouncing the excesses of the security personnel and demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.
Meanwhile, stepping up the ongoing agitation, the Working Committee of the 32 organizations spearheading the movement today resolved to launch Wakat Khongjang from Bamon Kampu area.