Protests demanding the unconditional release of three members of Arambai Tenggol arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) continued at several locations across the Imphal Valley on Thursday.
In Uripok Assembly Constituency, members of the Uripok Apunba Lup staged protest demonstrations at various locations in the Lamphel area. Protesters held placards and raised slogans demanding the immediate release of the arrested individuals.
Similar demonstrations were also held in Lilong Assembly Constituency, where the Arapti Apunba Nupi Lup and the Urup Arapti Development Co-ordinating Committee (UADCOC) organised a protest at Arapti Ereima Emagi Laibung. A large number of women and local residents participated in the demonstration.
The protesters maintained that the arrested youths had taken up arms during the ethnic conflict with the objective of protecting Manipur and its people. They pointed out that many of the weapons in the possession of village volunteers and armed groups had already been surrendered following appeals made by the Governor of Manipur.
Speakers at the protest alleged that the arrests could undermine ongoing efforts to restore normalcy and peace in the state. They contended that taking action against individuals who had responded to calls for surrender of weapons could create distrust among the public and discourage participation in peace-building initiatives.
The demonstrators urged the authorities concerned to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the three arrested Arambai Tenggol members and called for measures that would promote reconciliation and stability in the state.
Protest demonstrations demanding the release of the arrested individuals have been reported from several parts of the valley in recent days, with various civil society organisations and local bodies expressing concern over the arrests.
