Ima L Nganbi- Convenor of the Womens’ Wing, JCILPS, has been picked up from her Bishnupur residence by a team of Bishnupur Police headed by the OC today afternoon right after a media interaction event at her residence. Speaking to the media, she stated that arresting leaders of the agitation will not prevent the public from continuing with the movement, but rather will result in giving rise to more leaders. She also said that the Ibobi led Government have turned into state of military rule where the security forces reigns supreme. Meanwhile, the agitation for the implementation of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur continues unabated today with agitators resorting to pelting stones at the police personnel, blocking roads with stone boulders, logs and poles and burning tyres and other flammable stuffs on the roads. The agitation has taken on a more serious tone with the death of a student volunteer during police action on the 6th of this month. Subsequently, a JAC against the killing of the student have been formed and has also joined the fray with additional demands of its own. The police personnel also resorted to firing tear gas and lathi charge to contain the agitators. Sit-in-protests were also staged at different places condemning the death Sapam Robinhood and demanding punishment for those responsible. Heavy clashes between the agitators and the state security personnel were reported from various places including Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Khurai, Thangmeiband, Heirangoithong, Kongba, Kakwa, Canchipur MU gate, Wangkhei Thangapat Mapal, Singjamei Thokchom Leikai, Singjamei Chingamathak, Chingamakha, Ahanthem Leikai etc. speaking to our correspondent, a woman protestor expressed dissatisfaction on the mute silence of the Ibobi led Government and questioned the relevance of their administration if they have continually failed to even recognize the aspirations and needs of the public. Another youth protesting against the state government’s inability to address the growing concern of the indigenous inhabitants by including various points as suggested by the JCILPS in the bill passed recently, and to revoke the same for another which is comprehensive, exhaustive and inclusive of the things which will ensure the protection and preservation of the indigenous inhabitants and the customs, traditions and culture that have been practiced through the ages. On the other hand, the chief minister convened an emergency meeting at his residence to review the law and order situation in the state at present. Members of the legislative assembly, top bureaucrats and officers of the state security department attended the meeting which began at around 2 in the afternoon. On the other hand, reports of certain protestors, under the influence of intoxicants, harassing and giving unnecessary trouble to the media persons by using foul language and preventing them from travelling on certain section of the districts for covering the news have surfaced. It is our united request to the protestors as well as the state security personnel not to intimidate, trouble or abuse the media persons with proper documents from carrying out their duty.
