Imphal, August 27: Braving the action of the CRPF personnel, around 500 womenfolk staged a sit-in-protest demonstration at Kumbi Bazar today demanding complete revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

The personnel of the 132 CRPF posted at Kumbi tried to disperse the protestors twice, but the womenfolk relentlessly continue their demonstration till 3 pm.

The protestors also observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to Pebam Chittaranjan and Konjengbam Memita who sacrificed their lives for the cause of withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

The protest demonstration was organized by Kumbi Apunba Nupi Lup.

To step up the ongoing public agitation for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur, all the students studying in schools and colleges- would be wearing black badges while attending classes with effect from tomorrow till the demand of the people has been fulfilled.

A resolution to this effect was taken during a meeting of All Students' Guardian' Association, Manipur held at the Palace compound office of SCERT (Autonomous) today to mourn the death of Pebam Chittaranjan and Konjengbam Memita who sacrificed their lives for the public cause.

The meeting also appealed to all the candidates who are going to appear in the HSLC (Old Course) and HSLC Compartmental Examination, 2004 commencing from tomorrow, to wear black badges to show their solidarity.

The meeting took serious note of declaration holidays by the State Government for schools and colleges randomly and resolved to urge the Government for avoiding such declaration in the interest of the student community.

While exert pressure on the Government for complete removal of the Act from Manipur, the meeting further resolved to urge the Government not to slap NSA on those arrested public leaders who are spearheading the ongoing movement.

Extending moral support to the people of Manipur who are agitating for complete withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Manipur, All Manipur Columnists' Union, Imphal has condemned the police action on reporter of Sanaleipak daily, Ranjan.

The Union has also mourned the death of Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang and Konjengbam Memita Chanu who sacrificed their lives for the cause of removal of the draconian Act from Manipur.

In protest against prolong imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and demanding fitting punishment to AR personnel responsible for killing of Thangjam Manprama and Saichang Village pastor Jamkholet Khongsai, Extern Clubs' Development Organization, Laikhpng would be organizing a sit in protest demonstration at Nongpok Keithelmanbi on August 30.

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