Imphal, July 30: Even as various organizations continue to slam the Congress-led SPF Government for its indifferent attitude to the demand for lifting Armed Forces Special Powers Act, about 400 Congressmen staged a sit-in-protest at Wangoi bazar today on the same issue.

Holding banners and placards, demanding scrapping of black laws in the interest of the people the Congressmen demonstrated from 9.30 am till 4 pm under the aegis of Wangoi Block congress Committee.

Among others the protestors include MPCC treasurer S Achouba Singh, members of block Youth Congress, Mahila Congress, NSUI, grievance Cell of the party and Congress councillors of Wangoi Nagar Panchayat.

Meanwhile, the SPF Govt continues to draw flak on its failure to pin and punish guilty Assam Rifles personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and delay in lifting AFSPA as desired by the State masses.

Decrying prolong imposition of the draconian act and condemning the extra-judicial killing of the 32 year old woman from Bamon Kampu Toubul Nisha band Association pledged its unwavering support to the ongoing agitation till the people�s demands are conceded.

The Sangai Higher Secondary School (Mantripukhri) also expressed heartfelt condolence at the brutal killing of Manorama while Social Progressive Youths� Union cum Public Street Lamp Union, Khurai condemned use of brutal force to disperse democratically assembled demonstrators and pledged to support agitations launched jointly by 32 organizations for revocation of AFSPA and stern punishment to guilty AR men.

The SPF Government was severely criticized by Naorem Birahari College Students� Union for ordering closure of educational institutions within Imphal East and West and Bishnupur districts.

The school closure decision is akin to making the student community the proverbial sacrificial goat to cover up inefficiency of the State Govt, added the Union.

Manipurgi Ngamkhei Kanba Lup (NH-53), Khumbong bazar expressed skepticism at the delayed participation in the people�s movement by opposition leaders including three former Chief Ministers yesterday.

The Lup questioned why had these leaders not lift AFSPA when they were in power and if they harbored any good will for the people as is being projected at the present juncture when the people have rose as one.

The body also expressed apprehension that the opposition leaders might attempt to gain political mileage from the ongoing agitation while cautioning them that such an agenda would only backfire as the people could not be fooled by their mischievous calculations.

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