Rally taken out, effigy burnt, internet shut
BJP leaders hold public meeting to maintain peace
Source: Chronicle News Service

Jiribam, March 12 2022: A large number of women took out a rally on Saturday in protest against BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary K Sarat and burnt his effigy but police managed to stop the rally after a brief confrontation.

Womenfolk from different parts of Jiribam gathered at the campus of Bidyanagar LP School on Saturday afternoon and then took out a protest rally against K Sarat passing through his residence at Bidyanagar.

The protestors then rallied through Lamlong Keithel and burnt effigy of the BJP leader at several places.

During the rally, protestors shouted many slogans and put up placards charging K Sarat of indulging in anti-people and anti party (BJP) activities as well as demanding his removal from the post of BJP general secretary.

When the protestors reached near K Sarat's residential gate, large number police led by OC Jiribam police station tried to stop the rally near Bidyanagar farm but they overcame the police barricade and continued the rally.

Later, additional police force was called in and managed to stop the rally at Lamlong Keithel along NH-37 road.

On the other hand, no shops and business establishment were opened in Jiribam Saturday due to imposition of curfew since 4pm Friday.

However, movement of people for emergency and medical were allowed.

In the wake series of violent activities in the district following the declaration of results on March 10, mobile internet service has been suspended till March 17 with immediate effect.

As per an order issued by Home special secretary H Gyan Prakash there have been a series of violent incidents including destruction of properties in areas falling under Jiribam district and anti-social elements are using social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public and social media has also become a handy tool for rumour mongers and is being used to incite general public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the district.

There is an imminent danger of loss of life or damage to public and private property and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which are being or could be circulated to the public through social media, messaging services, SMS services and dongle services, it stated.

"In exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the entire peaceful co-existence of the communities and maintenance of public order, do hereby order suspension/curbing of mobile data services in the territorial jurisdiction of Jiribam," the order read, and directed all mobile service providers to ensure compliance with the order.

Any person found guilty for violation of aforesaid orders will be liable for legal action, it cautioned.

Meanwhile, BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary P Premananda and Imphal West District president Ph Phoni Meetei on Saturday visited Jiribam and held a public meeting to calm down the situation of post poll violence that had erupted over alleged beating of BJP workers.

During the public meeting organised by BJP Jiribam Mandal after Section 144 of CrPC was imposed in Jiribam district, the leaders appealed to the people to stop post poll violence and help in restoring peace and normalcy in the district.

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