Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 16:
Rich floral tributes were paid today to remember the sacrifice of student activist Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang who failed to recuperate on this day after he set himself on fire on August 15, demanding the complete revocation of AFSPA and punishment of security personnel involved in the custodial death of Th Manorama Devi.
The main observance was held at the premises of Takhellambam Leikai Youth Club and residence of the deceased at the same locality.
Mention may be made that the advisor of Manipuri Student's Federation, Bishnupur branch Chittaranjan self immolated on August 15 at the district headquarters on this day to protest the partial lifting of AFSPA before succumbing to his injuries at RIMS Hospital the next day.
The last rites of the deceased was also marked in controversy with agitation spearhead Apunba Lup insisting that the body be taken to Bishnupur which the State authorities declined ultimately resulting in the Govt disposing the body which was cremated at Minuthong public crematorium on August 16 evening.
Consequently, the religious formalities were conducted at his residence a few days later.
In connection with the observance, floral tributes were paid at Khoyathong Andolan Keithel by members of the local meira paibis who also observed a two minute silence to honour the sacrifice of Chittaranjan Mangang.
At several places in Imphal East district meira paibis and local youth organizations paid their respects at the portrait of Chittaranjan.
Womenfolk and youth of Tangkham, Haraorok, Sambei and Chingkhu commemorated the occasion at Chingkhu Cosmopolitan High School premises from early morning till late afternoon.
The mourners, holding placards denouncing imposition of AFSPA and demanding punishment of Manorama's killers also staged a sit-in-protest at near the school campus.
People's Action Committee Against the Brutal Murder of Thangjam Custodial Killing of Th Manorama Devi, Bamon Kampu, Imphal East also observed the day along with paying of floral of tributes at the portrait of Th Manorama and K Memita, said a press release.