Imphal, February 09: Women-folks of Kangpokpi area today managed to free a man from the clutches of 14 AR personnel by successfully protesting in front of the AR post and setting up road block on National Highway 39 this afternoon.

The man who was released by the AR this evening after being picked up on Feb 7 has been identified as one Hamin Khongsai an employee of Kangpokpi Oil Depot.

He is reported to be from Chalwai Village but presently residing at Kangpokpi Ward No IV.

According to family members of Hamin Khongsai (35), he was picked by Assam Rifles personnel from his residence on the evening of February 7 without issuing an arrest memo.

They further clarified that Hamin is an innocent civilian is not connected with any underground organisations.

Reacting strongly against the prolonged detention of Hamin Khongsai by AR troops, womenfolk of Kangpokpi area came out in hundreds and staged a dharna at Kangpokpi Thomson Ground this morning at around 9.30 demanding the immediate release of Hamin.

The agitation of the womenfolk intensified in the evening when the AR authorities who had assured the public to release Hamin at 3 pm failed to release him.

The womenfolk immediately came out on NH 39 and set up road blocks at two places bringing traffic to a standstill.

The agitators shouted slogans demanding the AR troops to stop misusing AFSPA, removal of 14 AR post from Kangpokpi, immediate removal of AFSPA etc.

IGP Training LO Khoute, CID Crime Branch SP, CMT SP, Kangpokpi Addl SP, SDPO Senapati also rushed to Kangpokpi and tried to pacify the incensed womenfolk.

However the womenfolks continued their agitation and marched towards the AR post and staged a dharna in the front of the AR gate demanding the immediate release of Hamin Khongsai.

The agitators were finally allowed to enter the AR post after about an hour and meet the AR officials.

Following an understanding, the Assam Rifles officials handed over Hamin to the womenfolk.

The pubic leaders which met the AR officials at the latter's camp included Sadar Hills Kuki Inpi's president, pastor and representatives of women organisation of Kangpokpi area Irate womenfolk who interacted with the mediapersosn today at Kangpokpi said that personnel of 14 AR located near Kangpokpi IB had also picked one van driver identified as Phougalal Chongloi along with a class eight student identified as Mangginlui Hangshing and thrashed them black and blue on charges on having links with the UGs on Feb 6.Both of them were later released by the AR personnel in a very critical condition, they lamented and added that electric shocks were also applied on the private parts of Mangginlui Hanshing.

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