Many decry arrest, question purpose of peace agreement
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 14 2024: Condemning the arrest of self-styled chief of army Sidaba Mapu alias Thoiba, self-styled chief intelligence Ingba and a cadre of the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) by the NIA, mass protest demonstrations were held at several places demanding unconditional release of the trio.

Organisations, women vendors and meira paibis of Yairipok staged sit-in protest and raised slogans demanding unconditional release of the three as markets remained shut and shops downed shutters during the protest period.

Meanwhile, Meitei Community Joint Co-ordinating Committee (MCJCC) Waithou Kiyam Siphai Haokha and Thoubal Khunou and its women's wing staged sit-in protest at Kiyam Siphai Babu Bazar and local meira paibi lup, women vendors in front of Thoubal Keithel, blocking half the Asian Highway road.

Similarly, meira paibis of Leirongthel, Malom, Ningel and Ka-kmayai staged protest at Yairipok-Kasom Khullen Lamkhai Keithel, Pechi Apunba Meira Paibi Lup at Pechi Club ground and locals of Yairipok Angtha and Poiroukhongjin at their respective localities.

Oinam Apunba Meira Paibi Lup also organised a sit-in protest at Oinam Keithel demanding unconditional release of the Pambei-led UNLF members, who are now in the custody of NIA.

Meira paibis of Keinou on Wednesday night formed human chain along the Tiddim road in Keinou area demanding release of the arrested trio.

Moreover, Heirok Part II Bazar Mamang Apunba Meira Paibi and Friends in Need Society (FINE) Society Heirok jointly staged a sit-in protest at Heirok Part-II Bazar and Lamjao Apunba Meira Paibi Lup at Lamjao denouncing the arrest of UNLF trio.

On the other hand, Meetei Council Moreh (MCM) strongly denounced the arrest of Shidaba Mapu and two others while opining that the arrest seems deliberate act to appease the Kukis.

MCM also maintained detention of the UNLF members is creating confusion among the people as the group had signed peace agreement with the central government.

It further demanded state and central governments to release the three without any condition.

In another release, Jiri Development Organisation, United Jiri Youth League, Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Jiri Apunba Khunai Chaokhat Lup and a students' organisation pledged support to the 48-hour general strike effective from March 14 midnight against the arrest of the UNLF trio.

They further stated those related with BSEM, COHSEM examinations, health, rituals, religious matters, PHED and electricity will be exempted from purview of the strike.

Shiv Sena Manipur also condemned arrest of three members of the Pambei-led UNLF, which had signed cease fire agreement with the union government, and demanded their immediate unconditional release.

Addressing the media at the Babupara office of Shiv Sena Manipur, state president M Tombi contended that the arrested persons were among many who aided the people in fighting Kuki militants' relentless and ruthless attacks.

Demanding that NIA release the three without any condition, he expressed that arrest of members of an outfit which had entered into ceasefire agreement with the government, devalues very purpose and objective of the peace pact.

He also suggested that CM N Biren prevail upon the union government to release the UNLF trio.

Sit-in protest was also staged against arrest of the UNLF members at Kakching Bazar along with convening a meeting that adopted resolutions endorsing the 48-hour general strike called and to jointly fight if village defenders are arrested.

Kakching Keithel ceased trading activities and shops remained shut during the protest.

On Wednesday night also, protest was staged demanding unconditional release of the trio at Kakching Keithel.

The protestors marched towards Kakching police station and met higher ups of the station; They cautioned of launching intense protest if the arrested trio is not released.

A protest rally organised by Kakching Khunou Meira Paibi was also taken out in Kakching Khunou area on Thursday evening.

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