Agitations launched against Salungpham killing
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal/Thoubal, December 19 2024: Condemning the killing of village volunteer Laishram Prem at Salungpham village in Thoubal district and arrest of six other village volunteers by the police on December 14, sit-in protests were staged at different locations under the aegis of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Thursday.

At Keishampat Leimajam Leikai community hall, the sit-in participants chanted slogans in condemnation of the killing of village volunteer, and demanded immediate repeal of AFSPA, action against the police commandos involved in killing village volunteer and release of the village volunteers without any condition.

Speaking on the sidelines, COCOMI assistant coordinator Joy-chandra Konthoujam contended state forces numbering over 35,000 and 70,000 additional central forces deployed in the state are unable to prevent foreigners from attempting to establish their own territory within the state.

The village volunteers stepped in when armed Kuki narco-terrorists launched assaults against Manipur, threatening the state's territorial integrity.

If the village volunteers had not intervened, Manipur would be in a far worse situation today, he claimed.

Strongly condemning the killing of the village volunteer at Salungpham, Joychandra demanded immediate dismissal from service and punishment of the police commandos involved in the death of the village volunteer.

He also called for the unconditional release of the six other village volunteers who have been detained.

Additionally, he urged for withdrawal of the decision to re-impose the draconian AFSPA in areas under the jurisdiction of six police stations.

Joychandra also appealed to the chief minister, ministers, and all MLAs to truly understand the public's concerns and act in accordance with the people's sentiments, rather than serving the interests of the central government.

He cautioned of intense protests if the six detained village volunteers are not released within short notice without any condition.

Protests and agitations were also held at Manipur College in Imphal West, YK College in Thoubal, Imphal College, and Standard College in Imphal East, under the banner of the COCOMI Students' Front.

Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur and All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMWOVA) also called for the unconditional release of the six village volunteers and scraping of AFSPA, which has been re-imposed in areas under six police stations in the state.

Addressing the media at its Khoyathong office on Thursday, Poirei Leimarol president Soraisam Memcha expressed disappointment over the government's silence, along with that of its ministers and MLAs, while AFSPA was re-imposed in areas covered by six police stations, and security forces began arresting and killing village volunteers.

Chipping in AMWOVA president Y Kunjarani Devi, stated that no arrests or actions should be taken against the village volunteers, who are protecting their villages and the state from attacks by armed Kuki militants.

Comment