Protest in Chandel against arrest of BD Romeo Bungdon
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, October 18 2021: Condemning the arrest of All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) president BD Romeo Bungdon of Thungcheng Village, Western Valley Area in Chandel district but presently residing at Langol village, by a combined team of Lamphel Police and Imphal West Commandos and later, labelling him as a cadre of NSCN (IM); locals of Hnahringkhu Village staged a protest demonstration at Chandel district headquarters on Monday, demanding his (Bungdon) unconditional release.

During the protest, which was organised by the JAC for Justice of Bd Bungdon, the protestors held placards and also shouted slogans condemning his arrest, framing of false charges against an innocent person and demanding his unconditional release.

Speaking on the sidelies, JAC convenor Bd Thunidang recounted that Romeo Bungdon (54) was arrested by a combined team of Lamphel Police and Imphal West Commandos around 9pm on October 16 from his residence in Langol Game Village.

Bungdon had been a student leader and is a social activist.

Apart from being the president of All Manipur Tribal Union, he is also the working president of Manipur International University Governing Body.

The convenor said that it is regrettable to witness a law-abiding citizen being accused of being an insurgent.

Thus, Bungdon's arrest is questionable, on whether it is a move influenced by someone or it is the use of excessive force by police.

"Not to mention that fact that Romeo Bungdon suffered a BP stroke in 2019, he has been having mobility issues as a paralysis patient.

As such, it is strange to assume that such a person could be involved in insurgency," Thumdang opined and demanded for his (Bungdon) release without any conditions.

Thumdang then cautioned of launching intense agitations including closure of the National Highways, halting of national projects, etc., along with All Manipur Tribal Union and CSOs of Chandel District in case of failing to do so.

Meanwhile, Khingwar, one of the women who took part in the protest, said that she came to know of Bungdon's arrest and subsequently charging him to be a cadre of NSCN (IM) from the local dailies.

She continued that Bungdon is not an insurgent but a civilian and demand for his immediate release.

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