Imphal, July 21: The public meeting jointly convened by the 32 organisations spearheading the movement for removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Manipur in the backdrop of rampant human rights violation by security personnel and in particular the recent killing of Thangjam Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel in their custody was foiled by the police today.

The meeting was scheduled to be held at Tiddim Ground from 10 am today.

But police swung into action and arrested all the people including the president of AMUCO, Jagat Thoudam who came to take part in the meeting on alleged ground of violating restrictions imposed under 144 Cr PC.

Following the announcement of convening the meeting yesterday, a large contingent of State police and other security personnel were deployed in and around the meeting venue since early morning.

Although the timing of the meeting was during the curfew relaxation hour, State Government clamped prohibitory order under 144 Cr PC putting restriction on gathering of people.

Despite that, at about 10.30 am around 30 to 40 people led by AMUCO president Jagat Thoudam and Advisor Thounaojam Iboyaima tried to force their way to the meeting venue compelling the police personnel to resort to blank firing and tear gas canisters to disperse them.

Undeterred by the police action, the agitators, however, sat down and remain unmoved while shouting slogans denouncing killing of innocent people by security personnel and demanding removal of AFSPA from Manipur under whose provisions the security forces have been eliminating people at will.As the tension escalated with strong apprehension of the situation getting out of control, Imphal West SP and CO of Ist MR soon arrived at the spot along with more forces and arrested all the agitators on alleged ground of violating restriction imposed under 144 Cr PC.

Among those agitators arrested by the police are AMU-CO advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram, COHR member Phulindro Konsam, Awang Kongpal Nupi Lup secy Th (O) Anita, Lup member M Bala, AMAWOVA ex- gen secy W Bala, PLMPAM advisor H Memchoubi, Haobam Marak Meira Paibi Lup advisor Y Indrani, PLMPAM publicity secy RK Sanahanbi, AMAWOVA publicity secy L Damayenti, AMAWOVA advisor O Binibala, AMAWOVA member RK Sanayaima, THANIL secy gen S Ibetombi, AMUCO member Ayam Meiraba, COHR member Jiten Yumnam, AISF State Council gen secy Kh Inaobi, vice president A Roneshkumar, AMSU Imphal West Branch gen secy Th Joshikanta, MSF ex-president Ph Nando Luwang, MSF vice president L Ibomcha Singh, MSF organisation secy S Chingthangkhomba, MSF Head Office secy publicity Ksh Dharnel, finance secy K Bikram Mangang, MSF Imphal East District Committee auditor gen M Premjit and senior volunteer of MSF Head Office L Gyanchandra.

On hearing the news about the arrest, a large number of people have also stormed into the area from various directions at about 11:30 am.

Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells and rubber bullets before the situation was put under control.

All the arrested persons, however, were later released without any condition at about 4:30 pm.

Earlier talking to reporters, AMUCO president Jagat Thoudam said that they have come to hold meeting at Tiddim Ground in a democratic matter.

However, the police personnel stopped them on the way thereby denying their democratic rights to register protest.

Comment