Many continue to oppose CAB, roads blocked, sit in protests staged
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 12 2019: Condemning the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 by the Lok Sabha as well warning against any attempt to pass the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, various protest demonstrations and blocking of roads were carried out in many parts of Imphal West district today.

Mana Ingkhol Women Welfare Association and Mana Ingkhol Youth Development Association organised a sit in protest at the community hall of the locality and also blocked the nearby roads preventing any vehicle from passing.

Speaking to media persons, Mana Ingkhol Women Welfare Development Association secretary Telem Ibecha condemned the passing of the CAB in the Lok Sabha as well as the attempt to pass the Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

Women folk and Meira Paibis of Tera Hiyanglam Wabagai, Kakching, also blocked a side of the road and staged sit in protest condemning the Bill.

To control the situation, police fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the protesters.

Speaking to media persons, one of the women protesters decried the harsh actions of the police claiming that the protesters did not resort to any violent activities.

On the other hand, Meira Paibis and club members organised a rally from Telou Chana Chingnungkhok till Napet Palli PS condemning the Bill.

After the rally, a sit in protest demonstration was organised at Nongada Makha Leikai Meira Shang.

Manipur Peoples' Party (MPP) workers and leaders also staged a sit in protest in front of the party office today.

Womenfolk of Keishampat Aheibam Leikai also came out on the foot paths and staged sit in protest condemning the Bill.

Speaking to media persons, one of the Meira Paibis Thangjam Guneshwari warned against implementing the CAB in Manipur.

She then decried the police for telling the protesters to go inside their homes and explained that the protest is for the benefit of the people and the State as a whole.

Meira paibis and locals staged similar protests in and around Nongmeibung Nabam Chuthek carrying black flags.

The protesters shouted slogans like 'Long Live Manipur', 'No to CAB in Manipur and NE' etc.

Even though police instructed the Meira Paibis and the protesters to go inside, the protests continued.

On the other hand, a large number of locals came out of their homes and staged protests on the road near the Airport gate.

They also blocked the roads by burning tyres.

Although they were dispersed for some time after police fired some tear gas shells, they quickly gathered at the area again and resumed their agitation.

Womenfolk also blocked the roads at Malom Bazaar and Malom Tulihal.

Locals also blocked the roads at Sangaiprou.

Womenfolk protested by holding black flags and blocking the roads at Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai.

On the other hand, Top Mayai Leikai, Makha Leikai, Awang Leikai and Kshetri Bengoon Meitei and Meitei Pangal, staged a sit in protest demonstration at Top Makha Leikai community hall.

School students formed human chains at Mayang Imphal Heibong Makhong in protest against the CAB and a rally was also organised as well.

A sit in protest was also organised at Kongba Nongthombam Leikai.

Comment