Imphal, April 14: Strongly contending that the three individuals pulled up by commandos from Cheiraoching memorial tomb yesterday are innocent civilians, the Thangmeiband Chingkhong Meira Paibis have demanded immediate release of the trio.

Although the Thangmeiband Chingkhong Meira Paibis used to offer fire to the departed insurgents at night every year, the Meira Paibis were at the foot of the hill when the commandos after taking two individuals into their custody forced the two to call up anyone wishing to offer floral tributes at the memorial tomb through mobile phone.

At that time the April 13 observance was well over and the three individuals climbed up the hills to take down things used in the observance.

But they were held there by the commandos, informed the Meira Paibis while talking to media persons this afternoon.

However, when the women and children climbed up the hills, the commandos rounded them up and harassed the women and children resulting in injuries to many.

Asserting that the arrested men were only helping the women, the Meira Paibis demanded unconditional release of the trio within 24 hours.

It is reported that the three identified as Paonam Devan (50) of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Yumnam Brojen (50) of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and Asem Shanti (48) of Chingamakha Pishum Leirak were pulled up by commandos along with Konsam Pinky (16) of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai.

Pinky has been released.

The Meira Paibis also warned that intense forms of agitation will be launched in collaboration with State level Meira Paibi organisations in case the arrested persons are not released immediately.

One Meira Paibi who sustained injuries in yesterday's incident also showed her injuries to the media persons.

Demanding release of the apprehended persons, a protest sitting was also staged at Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai Tabung Pukhri Mapal from 7 am to 6 pm today.

Meanwhile, a press release sent out by Imphal West SP L Kailun claimed that the three arrested persons are the cadres of the proscribed PLA/RPF.

The trio were arrested acting on credible information, the release added.

The arrested persons were identified by the release as Paonam Devanand (50) of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Yumnam Brojen alias Kala of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and Ashem Shashi alias Sharat (48) Singjamei Chingamathak Nameirakpam Leikai.

On preliminary verification, Devanand disclosed that he joined PLA/RPF in 1982 through one Bedamani of Singjamei, Brojen joined the outfit through Joybi of Moirang Leirak in 1981.They also disclosed that they were actively involved in the overground movement of PLA/RPF, said the release.

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