Imphal, August 14: State Government's announcement of lifting Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from seven Assembly Constituencies of Imphal Municipal areas on a trial basis continues to invite severe criticism from various quarters terming it as a divide and rule policy to create chasm among the people of the State.

Tangkhul women's body, Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Ukhrul denounced the move terming it as a mockery to the wishes of the people and divide and rule policy being pursued by the State Government among the hill and valley people.

In a statement, TSL president Silla J Konghway demanded that the State Government withdraw the repressive Act from the whole State.

Strongly condemning brutal killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi by 17 Assam Rifles personnel after arrest, the Tangkhul women's body contended that such unwarranted incidents have been taking place due to misuse of the Act by the security forces.

The Centre and the State Government should not remain silent spectators to public outcry for doing way with the draconian Act, the statement said, adding that it is time to listen to the voice of the people in order to safeguard the pride of being the largest democratic country in the World.

Protesting lifting of Disturbed Area Status under section III of AFSPA from Imphal Municipal area only against the wishes of the people who are demanding complete revocation of the Act from entire Manipur, women activists of Moirang Hanuba Nupi Chaokhat Khongthaiig Lamjing Marup today staged a sit-in-protest demonstration.

The women's body also announced it resolute stand of continuing the ongoing agitation until the Act is removed completely and public demand for punishment of guilty AR personnel involved in the killing of Thangjam Manorama and evacuation of Assam Rifles from Kangla are fulfilled.

Similarly, members of Chairel Meira Paibi, UFVOC Chairel, Wangoo Zilla Parishad and public of Chairel also staged a sit in protest demonstration at Chairel Bazar today demanding for immediate revocation of AFSPA from the State.

A joint public meeting of the people living in Patsoi area held under the aegis of Patsoi Part II Makha Leikai Women's Development Association today has also resolved to continue the ongoing stir till the demand for complete withdrawal of the Act from Manipur is achieved.

Members of "Committee on the democratic people's movement for the removal of black laws from Manipur" in a meeting held at Wangoo on August 13.The meeting also strongly condemned the excessive use of force on innocent demonstrators by State security personnel.

The members while appealing for completely removal of AFSPA from the State has also expressed its unstinted support to the agitation launched Apunba Lup.

Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Nambol Local Council has also denounced lifting of Disturbed Area Status under Section III of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from Imphal Municipal Area only and has categorically stated the movement of the people for complete revocation of the Act would continue.

Continuing its agitation against lifting of AFSPA from Imphal Municipal area only, Young Students Club, Sekmaijin Awang Leikai has also resolved to intensify its Mayai Lambi bandh.

Meanwhile, Salai Apunba Nupi Lamjing Lup has demanded release of one Wahengbam Sanjoy Singh s/o Sobhachandra Singh of Singjamei Chingamakha Meisnam Leikai who has been arrested by the police on alleged charge of abetting violence during the bandh called by the organization in Singjamei area protesting against partial lifting of AFSPA today.

However, the women's body contented that the said youth was watching TV in his own house when police forcefully dragged him out and took him into their custody.

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