Many more decry Ukhrul killings
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 06 2014 :
Different civil society organisations of the State today staged a sit-in-protest at Chingmeirong against security forces action on rallyists in Ukhrul town on August 30 in which two civilians were killed.
Leaders and members of United Committee Manipur (UCM), All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), Tangkhul People's Organisation, Imphal, Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Imphal, Imphal Tangkhul Shanao Long and Tribal Chiefs Forum took part in the protest demonstration.
Speaking at the sit-in-protest, Tangkhul People's Organisation spokesperson AS Raising vowed to lift the ongoing UNC sponsored bandh if the State Government removes Section 144 CrPC from Ukhrul town.
He demanded the Government to immediately stop hampering normal life and harassing civilians with the imposition of the prohibitory order and deployment of additional State security forces in the town.
He also strongly condemned security forces' action in Ukhrul town on August 30 in which Mayopam Ramror and Ramkshing Vashi were killed and several others injured.
Questioning the Government whether they are waiting for the loss of many other lives, AS Raising said that people are still ready to sacrifice their lives to fulfil their demands.
He also demanded that FIRs be lodged against those security force personnel who were responsible for the August 30 incident.
AR Raising said that immediate lifting of Section 144 CrPc and additional State security forces from Ukhrul town, impartial enquiry into August 30 incident, punishment to erring officers, apology from the State Government to Ukhrul public and NDA Government's intervention into the issue of protection of tribal people of Manipur are the demands of the civil society organisations.
Speaking at the sit-in-protest, UCM President Y Nabachandra accused the Government of intentionally provoking people with prolonged imposition of Section 144 CrPC.
Saying that additional security forces were deployed and Section 144 CrPC imposed in the town in the aftermath of the assassination of Ukhrul ADC Member Ngalangzar Malue, Nabachandra said that it was unfortunate to aggravate the situation instead of bringing a solution peacefully.
Maintaining that Ukhrul was virtually put under siege after Ngalangzar Malue's assassination, Nabachandra said that the violence of August 30 was similar with Kargil war.
Alleging that the recent Government move has brought unrest in Ukhrul town, Nabachandra urged the people of the State to collectively fight it.
Regarding ongoing UNC sponsored bandh, Nabachandra said that imposition of bandh would give hardships to common people only.
Urging Tangkhul people to spell out their stand on the ongoing bandh, Nabachandra also sought suggestions from them on how volunteers of UCM and AMUCO can come to Ukhrul and join the people's agitation.
Echoing the same view, AMUCO Vice-President Th Devan also called for a collective mass movement on the issue.
Observing that clamping of indefinite bandh would give hardships to common people only, Th Devan said that people of hill districts would be affected more by the bandh.
Former President of Tangkhul Naga Long, Ramthing Hungyo and Tongpa Kipgen of All Tribal Chiefs Forum, Manipur also spoke at the sit-in-protest.