Imphal, September 09: Continuing its tirade against the Government, the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup today said that the Government is hell bent on trying to paint the protestors in the same light as militants and came out strongly against the detention of one of its leaders L Umakanta by the police.

In a statement, the Apunba Lup said that the present movement is a democratic protest and the attempt of the Govt to cast it in the wrong light will not succeed for the whole country and the international communities have thrown their weight behind the people's demand.

Though Irom Sharmila Chanu has been on a fast unto death agitation demanding the revocation of AFSPA for the last four years, the Govt has been turning a deaf ear to the demand of the young woman, said the statement and added that the sudden release of Sharmila from custody today was nothing but to abandon her to her fate.

This shows how insensitive the Govt is, said the Lup and added that it is another manifestation of the Govt not having any long term visions and policies.

Deriding the statement of Power Minister Gaikhangam that the Govt is open to a dialogue with the Apunba Lup, the statement said that the demand of the people is revocation of the AFSPA and not negotiation.

Even his leader, O Ibobi had failed to initiate a dialogue, said the Lup and questioned under what circumstances the Power Minister came out with his statement.

On the plea of the CM to end the class boycott stir, the Lup reminded that the political leaders have appealed against the boycott just because their children and ward stand out to lose.

It is ironical that a Chief Minister who did not hesitate to let loose his security force on the protesting students should now talk about the career of students, said the statement.

The Lup however expressed regret over the inconveniences faced by the students but added with equal intensity that it is heartening to see that the political leaders too have something to lose now as the class boycott have also affected their children and ward.

The Apunba Lup also reiterated its stand against any preparations for the upcoming Konthoujam by election dubbing it as a design to divert the people's attention and urged all intending candidates to desist from seeking for party's ticket.

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