Sit-in demands withdrawal of AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 08 2024: A sit in protest was staged today in front of Cheirap Court, Uripok with a demand to withdraw AFSPA from the areas under six police stations where the Army Act was reimposed and to not frame charges against Arambai Tenggol (AT) volunteers.

Organised by the All Uripok Apex Body (AUAB), the protest demonstration was participated by hundreds of people from Uripok side.

Placards that read "Revoke NIA cases against AT", "Withdraw AFSPA" and "Don't arrest Kouranganba" were put on display by the protesters.

Speaking to the media, one of the protesters said that they are against the charges being framed by the NIA against AT leader Korounganba and other volunteers.

He claimed that AT took up arms only after Kuki militants and their associates started attacking Meeteis on the evening of May 3.Saying that AT came out to defend Meetei villages due to the failure of the Centre and the State Government in protecting the lives and properties of the people, he said that the Government needs to understand the circumstances which compel the AT to guard Meetei villages.

Government knows who started the violence, he said and appealed to authorities concerned to drop the cases filed against Korounganba.

He, meanwhile, appealed to the Government to withdraw AFSPA from places under six police stations where the legislation was reimposed.

AFSPA was reimposed in Sekmai and Lamsang police station limits in Imphal West, Lamlai in Imphal East, Jiribam station limits in Jiribam, Moirang in Bishnupur and Leimakhong in Kangpokpi districts on November 14 .

Saying that many people have been killed, raped and tortured under AFSPA, he added that they will launch an intense agitation if there demands are not entertained.

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