Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 22:
In continuing agitation against the extra-judicial killing of Thangjam manorama Devi by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles and demanding the revocation of Armed Forces special Powers Act, rallies and sit-in-protests were held at various places of the State today.
A massive protest rally was organised by various student, voluntary and women bodies in and around Loktak lake in canoes where slogans were raised for stern punishment of the security personnel involved in the killing of the 32 year old woman and lifting AFSPA.
The rally was jointly organised by Thanga units of AMSU, UCM and Macha Leima and Moirang Khunou Gram Sabha Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Thanga Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup as well as other NGOs of Bishnupur district.
The rally started from Thanga Chinglak Thong-khong and covered most villages on the periphery of the pristine lake.
Protest rally was also organised from Shribon, but the arrival of additional force of Bishnupur police, commando party and IRB personnel who fired tear gas and rubber bullets prevented the protesters from reaching its conclusion point at Moirang Bazar.
As part of the ongoing agitation to denounce the killing of Manorama, women folk in large number staged sit-in-protest at Oinam bazar under Nambol police station.
At about 4 pm the agitators took out a rally till Irengbam.
At Sekmaijin Khunou, Litan Makhong women members of Sekmaijin Khunou areas including those from the Muslim community of Phoubakchao village participated at the sit-in-protest today.
Members of Khanarok Dissent Youth Club, Khanarok Women Development Assn and Khanarok Khunou Women Assn (Ma-ring) staged protestat Khanarok community hall from 8 am till 4 in the evening.
Similar protest was held at Lalambungmakhong Takhellambam Leikai by local women folks and at RIMS Road by members of Manipur Urban Financial Cooperation and Tarosyl Economical Cooperation.
Reports of staging sit-in-protest were also received from Khundrakpam, bashikhong Panthoibi Bazar, Singjamei Thongkhong, Heirangoithong Bazar, Iroisemba, Lamboikhongnangkhong, Singjamei Chingamakha, Ucheckon, Khongman, Kongba, Soibam Leikai, Kongpal irampham Thongkhong, Porompat DC Road, Waithou Bazar, Tangjeng, Pangei and Khurai lamlong Keithel.
While the Khurai lamlong Keithel protest was on an Imphal East district police arrived at the protest site and arrested some persons including the Khurai kendra MLA N Bihari on grounds that restriction on assembly of five or more persons is in enforced even during curfew relaxation period.
All the arrested agitators were released after furnishing personal (PR) bond.
ruling front MLA Y Erabot of Wangkhei assembly constituency also participated at the sit-in-protest staged at Old Checkon Bazar.
Talking to reporters at the side line of the protest, Erabot describing AFSPA as a powering the security forces to harass innocent civilians demands its removal without any further delay.
protesting inconsiderate attitude of the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh his effigy was burnt by agitators at Kongba Nongthombam Leikai.