Meira Paibis protest Salungpham killing
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 22 2024: Widespread demonstrations were carried out in different areas of the Imphal valley today against the killing of village volunteer Laishram Prem by the security force at Salungpham in Thoubal district.

Today, Huikap Ningthou Khul Marup, All Huikap Meira Paibi, YWA, YFC and YDA jointly staged a sit-in protest at Huikap Mayai Leikai Community Hall demanding the Government to dismiss all the police personnel involved in the killing of a village volunteer and release all the six arrested village volunteers without any condition.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the sit-in .

All Huikap Meira Paibi member Laithangbam Monika denounced the Government's handling of the prolonged conflict which has been going on for more than 18 months.

Questioning the logic of pulling up village volunteers who were only defending innocent and helpless villagers, she said, "The Government must ponder on why the youth who should be going to schools and colleges took up arms".

Strongly condemning the killing of a village volunteer by security forces at Salungpham, Monika urged the Government to dismiss all the police personnel involved in the killing and release the six village volunteers arrested by police without any condition at the earliest.

Similarly, Loyalup, Kangleipak, Ghari Makha Women Development Association and Ghari Youth Welfare Association jointly staged a sit-in protest at Ghari Makha Leikai demanding justice for the village volunteer who was killed by security forces at Salungpham and revocation of AFSPA, 1958, which was reimposed in the jurisdiction of six police stations in the State.

During the sit-in, the protesters demanded the Government to take strong action against the Police Commandos involved in the killing of a village volunteer and release the six village volunteers without any condition at the earliest.

Moreover, demanding the release of six village volunteers without any condition, Phaknung Apunba Meria Paibi and Mana Engkhol Meira Paibi staged a protest demonstration at Thong Achouba Makhong, Phaknung.

The Meira Paibis shouted slogans demanding removal of AFSPA, 1958 and punishment of security forces involved in the killing of a village volunteer at Salungpham.

They also appealed to the Government and relevant authorities to trace the whereabouts of Laishram Kamalbabu who went missing from an Army camp located at Leimakhong.

The Meira Paibis urged the Government to send the recommendation for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the ST List and take immediate action to end the conflict and restore peace in Manipur at the earliest.

Placardas with the writings such as, "We condemn Salungpham killing", "We condemn killing of Village Volunteers", "Don't arrest Village Volunteers", "Release Village Volunteers without any condition", "Award befitting punishment to Police Commandos involved in Salungpham killing incident", "Police Commandos show your might against Kuki Narco Terrorists", "Repeal AFSPA, 1958", etc were used extensively in the protests held today at various places.

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