Imphal, August 20: A mass protest rally demanding complete revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur and punishment of AR personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and Pastor Jamkholet Khongsai was taken out in and around Mekola Bazar today.

Around 500 people took part in the rally organized by Lairenjam Nupi Yaipha Marup.

All Uchiwa Development Assn in association with Hungul to Uchiwa United Clubs' Organization, MSF Uchiwa Branch and other local clubs/Organizations and local Meira Paibis also organized a mass protest rally at Uchiwa area today denouncing excesses of the security forces and demanding lifting of AFSPA from Manipur immediately.

Later a public meeting was held where the people resolved to intensify the ongoing agitation and observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to Pebam Chittaranjan and K Memita who made supreme sacrifice for the public cause.

Local people of Kodompokpi Mamang Leikai also took out a torch rally last night demanding removal of AFSPA from Manipur.

A public meeting was also held wherein the gathering resolved to extend unflinching support to any future course of action of the 32 Organizations spearheading the ongoing mass movement for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

The gathering also paid rich floral tributes to all those who have sacrificed their lives and suffered injuries during the course of the ongoing agitation.

Residents of Kodompokpi Mayai Leikai also took out a similar torch rally last night demanding complete removal of AFSPA from Manipur, punishment of killers of Manorama and against disposal of Chittaranjan's body by the Govt without the consent of the bereaved family and the Apunba Lup.

The protestors also decided to impose a Kodompokpi Mayai Lambi bandh tomorrow to intensify the ongoing agitation.

Govt lambasted: All Manipur (Plain and Hill) Development Organization (AMDO) has lambasted the State Government for allegedly trying to sideline the real issue of public demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur by launching a crackdown on the public leaders ' spearheading the ongoing movement.

It seems that the present Government does not know how the insurgency movement in Manipur has come about and the birth of the 32 Organizations spearheading the movement for withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur.

It is all because of lack of sincerity and faulty policy of the successive Governments, AMDO general secretary Raj en Akoijam said in a statement.

It is really unfortunate that the Ministers and the MLAs in the Government have taken the people, who have elevated them to their present positions, for a ride, he lamented.

Coining out strongly against the crackdown on the public leaders spearheading the movement, AMDO general secretary asserted that such strong stand of the Govt should have been directed not on its people but on the Centre so that the demand of the people who are crying for their democratic rights could be fulfilled and restored normalcy in the State.

AMDO also strongly condemned the repressive action taken up by the Government in banning news broadcast on local TV network ISTV and disposing the body of Pebam Chittaranjan, who committed self immolation for the public cause, without the approval of the bereaved family and against the wishes of the people.

Social Young Club, Kakwa Leiphakpam Leikai has also condemned the State Govt for using force against the people demanding their democratic rights.

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