Imphal, August 21: The symbolic last rites of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang who self immolated to demand withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from Manipur and punishment of guilty 17 Assam Rifles personnel involved in the custodial killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi has been performed today.

During the ceremonial service of the deceased conducted at his Takhellambam Leikai residence titular king of Manipur Leisemba Sanajaoba's message of conferring Chittarajan with 'Martyr of Manipur' title was read out by the Palace messenger Yumnam Gouramani.

An all religion prayer session was also conducted.

The last rites were held amidst tight security arrangement along the Tiddim Line with police barricades erected at Keisampat Junction and Kwakeithel Bazar as precautionary measure to prevent occurrence of unwanted incident.

Mourners coming from Bishnupur side, where Chittaranjan committed the act, were made to disembark at Kwakeithel bazar with the security cordon also put up at various strategic locations in the capital area.

Well armed personnel of Rapid Action Force were deployed on both sides of Tiddim Line as police personnel used loud-speakers to divert traffic from the route.

The last rites were performed with the highest form of respect as per Meitei traditions with several hundred mourners from various places also offering floral tributes.

All religious formalities done during cremation was carried out at the local crematorium where the security arrangement was closely monitored by DIG (Range-1) Anish Dayal.

Imphal West SP S Ibocha and several top officials of Manipur Police.

It has been also reported that an officer of the RAF deployed near the crematorium offered salute to Chittaranjan from a visible distance.

A leaflet containing the last messages of Chrttaranjan to oppose AFSPA, security personnel's atrocities under the repressive Act and call for unified movement to protect human rights was also distributed on the occasion.

Sources also informed that several mourners were prevented from attending the cremation.

It is pertinent to mention that following disagreement between the State Govt and family members of Chittaranjan and Apunba Lup the body was cremated at Minuthong public crematorium on August 18 night by the Govt.He had self immolated at Bishnupur district on August 15.Chittaranjan was the advisor of MSF, Bishnupur district committee as well as coordinator and advisor in charge of the district units of AMSU, MSF and DESAM after the three student bodies had joined hands for the ongoing movement.

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