Imphal, July 24: The ongoing agitation demanding lifting of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 in the wake of custodial killing of Thangjam manorama Devi entered into yet another historic chapter as self immolation bid was made by five activists of Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) at the gate of the Chief Minister today noon.

The five activists after soaking themselves with petrol from near the imphal Post Office and setting afire marched towards the CM�s gate shouting slogans for withdrawal of Disturbed Area status from Manipur.

The incident took place exactly when the clock struck 12 noon.

Security personnel deployed in large number at the restricted zone were initially dumbstruck by the never before witnessed agitation form and daring act and did not react for quite some time.

However, they swung into action soon after and put off the flame with cloths and other materials as all the five activists lost consciousness after raising slogans demanding removal of black laws.

The police personnel rushed them to RIMS Hospital where doctors attending them said they sustained 20 to 30 percent burnt injuries at the lower limbs but ruled all of them out of danger.

As precautionary measure to check further recurrence of protests near the CM�s bungalow, road diversions were effected along the busy route soon after the self immolation bid.

While barricades have been erected at all the approach road to the CM�s official residence vehicles coming from either sides would be diverted towards Babupara.

The five persons have been identified as MAFYF organisation secretary Vicky Yambem, Thangjam Ibotombi (22) - Khurai branch member from Khurai Thoidingjam Leikai, Moirangthem Ranjan (23) - secretary Imphal West district from Sagolband Meino Leikai, Lalit Chandra Oinam - secretary Uripok branch from Uripok Khoisnam Leikai and MAFYF Lilong branch president Sanjoy Khaidem.

The injured activists were administered first aids at the RIMS Casualty ward dressing room by a number of doctors.

RIMS Director Prof L Fimate and Superintendent Dr Th Biren visited the victims and instructed the attending doctors to take necessary care of the injured five.

The duo also insisted that all the five persons be referred to concerned ward for further requisite medical attention.

When queried L Fimate and Th Biren stated that in view of the ongoing agitation resulting in casualties/injuries most of whom are brought at RIMS the doctors are carrying out extra workload.

Such exercise is under-way since July 19, they said while informing that many doctors have been kept as standby to meet any eventualities.

All the Heads of Department of the Institute would meet and deliberate in connection with the current issue, they said and applauded opening of voluntary relief committee at the hospital for extending support in treating the agitation victims.

Meanwhile, a MAFYF statement asserted that today�s historic protest was made to denounce indifferent attitude and inaction of the SPF Govt despite mothers of Manipur staking their modesty at the kangla gate to protect their children from excesses of security force personnel.

As MAFYF cannot remain a silent spectator to various forms of security force atrocities and use of police force to disperse democratic agitation the five activists of the Front carried out the self immolation bid.

Pledging to continue the movement till the people�s demands are complied with by the Govt MAFYF also called upon all the people to support and join the agitation.

As part of the ongoing agitation several members of Manipur University Students� Union raised slogans at the gate of Raj Bhavan at around 1.30 pm today.

The student activist came in the university bus and after embarking on the opposite side of the Raj Bhavan rushed towards the Governor�s residence gate shouting slogans demanding arrest and punishment of guilty 17 Assam Rifles personnel involved in the killing of Th Manorama and scrapping AFSPA.

However, strong security presence at the Raj Bhavan Gate prevented the agitators from reaching their destination and dispersed them with baton charge.

As the agitators continued to shout slogans despite the police battering the security personnel gagged the protesters� mouth.

Meanwhile, MUSU has demanded unconditional release of the student protesters.

The student body informed that four of its members including the president Haorungbam Ashirjit Luwang have been detained for the protest.

The three others have been identified as N Joyprakash Singh, Khumdongbam Ashokumar and Grinson Inka.

Strongly condemning promulgation of draconian law in the State and the North East region under the guise of containing insurgency problem MUSU also pledged to take active part in movements launched by the 32 organisations.

Four women members of Committee on the Democratic people�s Movement for Removal of Black Laws from Manipur, Wangoo were also detained today when they attempted to meet the CM to submit a memo containing five demands pertaining to punishment of guilty 17 AR men, withdrawal of black laws, fast unto death agitation by Irom Sharmila, shifting of AR from Kangla and invitation to NGOs for discussion of scrapping of AFSPA.

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