Massive protests staged against arrest of 3 cadres of Pambei led UNLF
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal/Kakching, March 16 2024:
Mass protests were staged across the valley districts of the State today against the arrest of three Pambei led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) cadres by National Investigation Agency (NIA) .
It may be noted that a team of NIA personnel assisted by the Central and State para military forces arrested the three cadres namely Thoiba @ Sidabamapu of Mayang Imphal, self styled chief of army of the outfit, S/S lieutenant colonel Laimayum Ingba of Mayang Imphal (head of intelligence department) and cadre Landaba on March 13 last.
Notably, the Pambei led UNLF had signed a talk agreement with the Centre and State Government at New Delhi on November 29 last year.
Demanding unconditional release of the arrested cadres, womenfolk carried out mass sit-in protests at different areas in Kakching district today.
Under the aegis of Universal Mothers' Organisation (UMO), meira paibis of Arongkhunou Awang Leikai, Arongkhunou Makha Leikai, Lairembi Laphupat Tera, Arongkhunou Daballo Khong, Arongkhunjao Ima Leimakhong Lairembi Nongmaikhong Mayai Leikai and Sharik Konjil and chanted slogans against the arrest of the three cadres.
Speaking in connection with the protest, a meira paibi leader said, 'We the mothers, strongly condemn the arrest of the three cadres of Pambei led UNLF who are in an agreement with the Government by NIA'.
She also cautioned that the mothers will not remain as mere spectators and will intensify the protests if the arrested cadres are not released at the earliest.
Raising serious concern on the statement of the Chief Minister that he had no knowledge of the arrest, she questioned whether there is a hidden agenda of the Central and State Government behind the arrest.
Meanwhile, members of meira paibi lup and clubs of Langmeidong Awang Leikai, Maning Leikai, Mamang Leikai and Bazar Awang staged protest demonstrations against the arrest.
Thoubal
Voicing the same demand, Meitei Community Joint Coordinating Committee (MCJCC) Waithou Kiyam Siphai Haokha and Thoubal Khunou and its women wing members carried out a protest at Babu Bazar in Thoubal district today.
Separately, the Coordinating Committee Wangjing and Wangjing Bazar Board organised a sit-in protest at Heirok Lamkhai Wangjing Keithel today.
Members of Indigeneous People Organisation of Manipur (IPOM) also took part in the protest.
The protestors used placards which read, 'We denounce acts of Central and State Government', 'We demand the release of the arrested cadres at the earliest', We condemn arrest of cadres who are in peace talk with the Government', etc.
Speaking at the protest, IPOM secretary Rakesh Moirangthem said that the statement of the Chief Minister that he is unaware of the arrest is of grave concern and urged the Government to take up measures to release the arrested trio without any conditions.
If the Government fails to act in accordance with the wishes of the people, intense agitation will be carried out along with the support of the public, he cautioned.
Strongly condemning the arrest of the three cadres and demanding their unconditional release, a large number of residents of the Yairipok area carried out a massive meira rally yesterday night.
The meira rally was spearheaded by Yairipok Apunba Meira Lup and Nongpok Sayang Apunba Lup (NSAL) wherein hundreds of residents of Yairipok Kekru, Bamol Leikai, Yairipok Keithel, Siphai Leikai, Bishnunaha and Yairipok Laimanai carried out the rally from their respective localities and gathered at Yairipok Keithel.
The rallyists shouted slogans in line with the protests.
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