Protesters block Tiddim Road over arrest of 'village volunteer'
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, September 19 2025: Opposing the arrest of an alleged "village volunteer" yesterday, protesters gathered at Ningthoukhong Keithel early morning and temporarily blocked the Tiddim Road today.

However, the blockade was suspended after a meeting with SP, Bishnupur.

The gathering then went on to stage a sit-in protest while demanding Thokchom Romen's unconditional release.

The man from Ningthoukhong Municipal Council Ward No 14 was arrested by Bishnupur District Police Commando at dusk yesterday.

Speaking by the sideline of the protest, an unnamed meira paibi strongly condemned Romen's arrest by the Commandos.

She identified him as the convenor of Bishnupur District Anti Drugs Campaign, in-charge of Mangolnganbi College Ningthoukhong Relief Camp and a person engaged in providing aid to people at Phougakchao Ikhai, Torbung and IDPs in general, guiding the youth and social work.

Demanding his unconditional release, she acknowledged Romen's contribution in safeguarding their area during the conflict as a "village volunteer" .

Questioning if Manipur Commandos are arresting village volunteers to get promotions, she accused them of not firing their guns at the height of the conflict under the pretext that they did not get the necessary "order" while the village volunteers put their lives on the line.

"Stop arresting your blood brothers to boost your service record", she appealed.

Later, leaders from Ningthoukhong area met SP, Bishnupur at his office today along with high ranking police officials.

While the meeting failed to arrive at a concrete resolution, the blockade was suspended in view of the public inconveniences it posed.

Instead, the protesters resolved to launch peaceful and democratic forms of agitation until Romen's unconditional release.

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