Protests against arrest of Pambei-led UNLF trio continue
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 19 2024: People across the state continued to stage protest demonstrations demanding unconditional release of three members of the Pambei-led UNLF including its self-styled army chief, by the NIA on the ground that the group is already under a peace agreement signed with the government.

In denunciation of the arrest, meira paibi members of Khong hampat Mayai Leikai staged sit-in on Tuesday, raised slogans and held placards demanding release of the three.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the protest at Bishnupur Forest Gate, Indigenous People's Organisation Manipur advisor O Bikramjit Singh justified protests being carried out in different parts of the state and expressed hope that the government authorities will uphold the peace agreement by releasing the three members of the Pambei-led UNLF.

He also declared that various forms of intense agitations would be launched until the three are released.

The protestors also shouted slogans like "Manipur Imana Yaiphare" and "Long Live UNLF" during the protest demonstration.

Upokpi Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and Upokpi Youth Development Club also carried out a torch rally in Upokpi area while Kabowakching Apunba Meira Paibi Lup organised a similar rally at Kabowakching on Tuesday evening demanding unconditional release of the arrested trio.

The protestors shouted slogans like "Release arrested trio unconditionally", "Keep peace agreement meaningful", "Long Live Manipur", and "Manipur Imana Yaifare" among others.

Demanding immediate and unconditional release of three members of the Pambei-led UNLF members arrested by the NIA, large number of women staged sit-in-protest at Langmeidong Makha Khongnangkhong in Kakching district on Tuesday.

A woman participant told media persons that the Pambei-led UNLF had already signed Peace Agreement with the Government of India (GOI) but three members of the organisation were arrested by NIA in contravention of the agreement.

The government of India is deliberately targeting the Meetei community instead of trying to resolve the opgoing crisis, the woman alleged and vowed that womenfolk of Langmeidong area will endorse whatever agitation announced against non-resolution of the crisis.

Several slogans against the arrest of the UNLF members, targeting of Meetei community by GOI and immediate resolution of crisis were raised by the protestors.

In Thoubal district, Thoudam Apunba Meira Paibi and Universal Mothers' Organisation (UMO) on Tuesday carried out a torch rally in and around Thoudam demanding unconditional release of the three Pambei-led UNLF members.

Speaking on the sidelines, one Laishram Losilla condemned the NIA for arresting the three including self-styled army chief Sidaba Mapu of the Pambei-led UNLF which has already signed peace agreement with the government.

She demanded immediate and unconditional release of all three members, while also warning Of launching intense agitation if they are not released.

During the protest, the participants shouted slogans demanding release of the three members, condemning the act of NIA, deporting illegal immigrants, upholding purpose of the peace agreement, restoring peace and harmony in the state, etc.

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