Imphal, September 15: Security personnel launched a crackdown to disperse a group of womenfolk who came towards the Assembly demanding unconditional release of TIPS general secretary L Umakanta and publicity secretary Y Langamba alias Thabi from police custody.

Notwithstanding the stringent security arrangement that was taken up in and around the Assembly complex, the womenfolk sneaked out of the campus of the Family Welfare Department located opposite to the temporary market sheds of Ima Keithel and proceeded towards the Assembly while the session was going on in full swing this afternoon.

Taken by surprise at the sudden appearance of the slogan shouting agitators, the police personnel posted nearby reacted swiftly and seized the banners and the festoons being carried by the womenfolk.

In the ensuing melee, one of the agitating women slipped and fell down on the ground.

Three agitating women have been reportedly arrested and taken into custody by the City Police, They are identified as Yumlembam Memcha Devi of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Irom Ongbi Kamala Devi of Chingamathak and Takhellambam Ongbi Tombi Devi of Thongju Pechu Lampak.

Later speaking to newsmen at Hotel Excellency this evening, the women folk said that the arrest of their three colleagues have boosted their morale and they will intensify their stir.

They dared the Govt to see if it can withstand the pressure mounted in the coming days.

The PR bond rider set by the Govt is also a sham, they charged.

Soon after the incident, all the three market sheds of the Ima Market were closed down for the day and no woman including the woman vendors were allowed to take the road in front of the Assembly.

Though there was no such restriction on the movement of men.

Various form of agitations were also witnessed in different parts of the State today in connection the demand for unconditional release of TIPS duo.

At Thoubal Kiyam Siphao Babu Bazar, local residents, mostly womenfolk came out on the streets and blocked the road by burning old vehicle tyres.

Meira Paibis of Heinoubok and Leimaram staged Wakat Meepham from 10 am to 4 pm at their respective localities demanding release of Umakanta and Thabi.

At Mayang Imphal Bazar, school students of the area blocked the road shouting slogans decrying arrest of innocent person, release of Umakanta and Thabi from police custody and demanding resignation of all the 60 MLAs.

Condemning the arrest and prolong detention of Umakanta and Thabi in police custody, students' union of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy has announced that it would extend all out support to the agitation being spearheaded by MEEKAL.

All Manipur (Plain and Hill) Development Organisation; Meira Paibi Welfare Association, Kangleipak; Rashtriya Janata Dal, Manipur State unit; Organisation for National Empowerment (ONE), Langthabal Mantrikhong Awang Leikai, etc, have also demanded unconditional release of the arrested TIPS members.

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