Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 08:
Social Scientist Prof BK Roy Burman, who arrived here a few days back to express his solidarity with the people's demand for removal of AFSPA from the State, was arrested by the police from near the M-Sector while trying to carry out a Padyatra from Imphal to Kakching this morning.
Dressed in a simple kurta, eighty four year old Prof BK Roy Burman who carried a placard reading "Remove AFSPA" began the Padyatra from the Manipur Press Club at 6 am along with some other participants.
Undeterred even by the heavy down pour, Prof BK Roy and his fellow protester marched down the Kanglapat road and protested for a while in front of the 17 Assam Rifles before marching on again.
However, the protesters were stopped by a police team of the Imphal West Dist police in front of the M-Sector and prevented from proceeding further.
Even though the protesters tried to persuade the security personnel to allow them to carry on their Padyatra, the security personnel insisted on not allowing them pass through the sensitive zone.
Finally, the protesters were herded into a Mini 407 tata and taken to the police station.
Prof BK Roy was accompanied by former DM College Principal DS Sharma, social workers Th Brajamani and A Brajamani during the Padyatra.
Talking to media-persons after the incident, Imphal West SP Ibomcha informed that the protestors were arrested as they insisted on marching through the highly sensitive zone.
They were later released at Singjamei, added the SP.
It may be noted here that Prof BK Roy will be marching till Thoubal today and will be proceeding to Kakching tomorrow after.