Unconditional release of arrested folks demanded
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 28 2024: People in large number stormed Kakching police station and the residence of Kakching MLA M Rameshwar at Kakching Makha Lou last night over the arrest of four persons on the charge of attacking the MLA's house.

The MLA was reportedly out of station at that time and efforts to contact him proved futile as calls to him were not entertained.

People from different localities (leikais) started marching towards the residence of the MLA at around 7 pm with the demand to release the arrested people without any condition.

The protesting people were dispersed from the area by police after 9 pm.

From the MLA's residence, the protesters headed towards Kakching police but they were stopped by the security personnel, resulting in a heated altercation between the two sides.

Two VDF personnel were injured in the clash and they were taken to Ima Hospital at Kakching for treatment.

Some police vehicles were also damaged in stoning by the protesters.

As the protesters turned more violent, the police fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the people.

One protester was injured in police firing and he is undergoing treatment at Kakching Community Health Centre.

The situation was tense till midnight.

It is reported that police have arrested about eight persons who were part of the mob.

Meanwhile a public meeting organised by Kwakeithel Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (KAMPL) has demanded unconditional release of all civilians, including youths and meira paibi, arrested for their alleged involvement in vandalism at the residences of State legislators on November 16 .

Additionally, the indefinite bandh along Tiddim Road imposed by Keishamthong Irom Pukhri Mapal Meira Paibi in collaboration with other clubs has been lifted, as per the meeting.

The public meeting held today at Ibudhou Nongsaba community hall at Kwakeithel Heinou Khongnembi also passed various other resolutions including demands to i) stop issuing summons to civilians in connection with the November 16 vandalism ii) resolve the crisis and restore normalcy in the State and iii) halt the "proxy war" that India is waging in Manipur.

If the State Government fails to fulfill the demands by December 1, an intense agitation will be launched calling upon the Government to arrest all meira paibis, the gathering decided.

Speaking at the public meeting, Soubam Sobita, president, KAMPL denounced the "targeted" arrests of protestors including meira paibi leader Th Sushila from Keishamthong Irom Pukhri Mapal.

Terming the arrests as a cowardly act against womenfolk and civilians, she added that it is diverting people's attention from the core issue facing the State today.

Representatives of many meira paibi associations also participated in today's public meeting.

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