Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 04:
All Manipur Joint Higher Secondary Students' Union (AMJHSSU), students' union of Modern College and Johnstone Higher Secondary School today hoisted flag black, with the latter inscribing SOS to protest prolong imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, which give unrestrained powers to security personnel.
The students' union has also boycotted classes indefinitely from today.
In a statement, AMJHSSUM lauded all the student unions which have extended support and cooperation to the new form of agitation and further urged the students to continue the agitation until and unless the demands of the people are conceded.
Commenting on the visit of the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, it said that the Central Govt would be making a grave mistake if it thinks of suppressing the current agitation by announcing some economic package during the Union Home Minister's two day visit to the State.
Expressing its support to the proposed general strike called by the Apunba Lup on September 5, it appealed to the public to extend cooperation to the general strike.
It also appealed to the all the Hr Sec students of the State to wear black badges while attending classes from September 5 onwards.
Joining the students' stir, the students union of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy also boycotted classes indefinitely with effect from today.
Responding to the agitation call given by AMSU Lilong branch, students of Surja English Academy, Triveni Public School, Lilong Girls' High School, Lilong Junior Girls' High School, Kangjeibung Junior High School and Karam Junior High School, all situated under the jurisdiction of the Branch today surrendered their text books to the office of the SDC, Lilong as part of the ongoing agitation for complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur.
AMSU Lilong Branch, however, has taken strong exception to the authorities of Lilong Hr Sec School for allegedly defying the boycott call and going ahead with conducting examination of the school.
Meanwhile, a joint meeting of all seven organizations was held at the Sanglen of Lainingthou Nongshaba at Kwakeithel Heinoukhongnembi today to discuss the ongoing agitation of complete removal of AFSPA from Manipur.
The meeting attended by 200 members unanimously resolved that AR personnel responsible for killing of Thangjam Martorama and Jamkholet Khongsai would be executed in front of the public.
The meeting further demanded release of all the public leaders arrested and detained by under NSA without any condition immediately and resolved to intensify the ongoing agitation till the demand of the people are met.
Stepping up the ongoing agitation for complete removal of the repressive Act, Heingang United Clubs' Organization would be organizing a torch rally within its jurisdiction tomorrow from 7 pm to 10 pm.
All Manipur Nagar Panchayat Development Committee has also demanded complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur at the earliest possible to restore peace and harmony in the State.
In a statement, Committee secretary Md Tajuddin categorically stated that State Govt and the Centre would not make the people of Manipur as sacrificial goats at the hands of the security personnel.
United Women's Development Organization has strongly condemned use of brute force on the agitators by State police personnel and announced is unwavering support to the Apunba Lup spearheading the ongoing movement for revocation of AFSPA.
Pepsi bottles destroyed: Volunteers of MSF, AMSU and DESAM yesterday destroyed a large quantity of Pepsi bottles seized from various shops at Wangkhem Bazar in Thoubal district as part of the ongoing agitation for complete withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur, according to a delay report reaching here.
AFSPA symposium: The Thangmeiband United Club organized a symposium of the present situation in Manipur at Naothingkhong Lampak, Thangmeiband Lairenhanjaba Leikai.
Those who spoke at the symposium were unanimous in their opinion that lifting of AFSPA not only from Manipur, but from entire North East region is necessary for maintaining peace and harmony in the region.