Imphal, September 20: A massive public rally participated by people of Pukhao-Sagolmang area today denounced the alleged patronage of a militant group by para-military force to unleash reign of terror intent on creating communal chaos.

The rally starting from Sagolmang at around mid-afternoon wound up at Pukhao Terapur where a meeting was also held in which resolutions were adopted regarding demand to State authorities to ensure an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, appeal to security force authorities to rein in their men from conniving with the armed outfit in targeting a particular community, withdrawal of para-military posts from Sagolmang-Saikul area and formation of a JAC to chalk out future course of action.

The protest rally participated by meira paibis, youths and students raised slogans accusing security force personnel of giving a free hand to the armed outfit carry out the former�s agenda of dividing the people on communal line.

People, mostly women of Patlou, Sagolmang, Khewa, Phurju, Wakhong, Uyumpok, Pukhao Laipham, Pukhao Khabam, Pukhao Ahallup, Pukhao Naharup, Pukhaoterapur, Dolaithabi, Keibi, Taretkhul and Shantipur areas took strong exception on the armed group firing indiscriminately at the residence of Pukhao-Ahallup zilla parishad member Keisham Ranjana on September 12 night (8 pm).

Another incident condemned by the rallyists as well as by speakers at the meeting concerns injuries caused to one Koijam Sova (28) of Pukhao Naharup Makha Leikai the same night half an hour later allegedly by the same armed miscreants who attacked the zilla parishad member�s house.

Representatives of Apunba Lup, student bodies AMSU and MAFYF also attended the Pukhao-Terapur public congregation.

Addressing the gathering K Ranjana narrating on the September 13 attack said the armed persons on being denied entry inside the house by her father - Nabachandra - unleashed a volley of fire damaging the main door and walls.

Though the assailants tried to break down the front door Nabachandra warned of hacking the first person who enters to which the intruders initially hesitated, said Ranjana while adding that her father even swung the heavy sword at a gun barrel finally compelling the armed persons to leave the scene.

Regarding, Koijam Sova, meeting speakers informed of the youth along with friends confronted by the armed group while on an evening stroll.

The armed men forced Sova and his friend to lie down flat on the ground and started to rain blows and kicks after which they (Sova & friends) fled.

Sova, currently at RIMS Hospital, undergoing treatment, is informed to have suffered bullet wound at the right arm when the assailants opened fire to stop them from fleeing.

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