Imphal, July 12: Denouncing the torture and subsequent killing of Thangjam Manorama by personnel of the 17 Assam Rifles, United Committee of Manipur (UCM) has appealed to the people of the State to rise up and fight against the army excesses before lives of many innocent civilians meet the same fate of Manorama.

In a statement, UCM secy information and public relations Joy Chingakham said that security force, which have been deployed in the State for protecting the citizens have unleashed a reign of terror by eliminating innocent civilians under the immunity granted by the Armed Forces Special Power Act.

Questioning whether the State Govt or the Army authorities are the actual rulers of the State, Chingkham said the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers should resign immediately on moral grounds if they cannot protect the lives of innocent civilians.

He also appealed to the people as well as the voluntary organisations to extend support and cooperation to the 48 hr general strike called against the killing of Manorama.

Centre for Organisation and Research (CORE) while strongly condemning the brutal killing of Thangjam Manorama alias Henthoi by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles has termed the murder as barbaric and inhuman.

It also appealed to the State Govt to look into the matter and book the culprits so that such action is never repeated again in the future.

Manipur State Congress Party has also vehemently condemned the cold blooded murder of Thang-jam Manorama by personnel of the 17 Assam Rifles.

Stating that the action of the security forces is a crime against universal womanhood and shall invite the highest degree of condemnation, MSCP spokesman Devabrata Singh urged the people to stand up and fight against such army atrocities.

He also stated that MSCP will always extend its support and cooperation to any agitation under taken by the public for the removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act.

Reacting strongly against the cold blooded killing of Th Manorama, Manipur Development Organisation Palace Compound has stated that the killing of Manorama was a direct threat to very existence of women folk in the State which should seriously viewed by the people.

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