Protest against the killing of two labourers by SoO signatory KRF reached its peak today after agitators came out at NH-37 and stopped all sorts of vehicular movement along the route violating the curfew imposed in the area. The agitators burnt 5 four wheeler vehicles and beaten up those who came at those vehicles. The members of the JAC against the brutal killing of M. Dayananda and M. Premananda and inhuman torture of Konthoujam Bishal at Mapau Khullen have been blocking the road from Langjing Achouba to Moidangpok area at NH37 since yesterday. In view of the potential threat to the tranquility of the area, the district administration of Imphal West has imposed indefinite curfew from yesterday. However, large number of people came out to the highway and continues to block the road by burning tyres at the road and by placing stones and planks on the road. This reporter witness large number of people stopping all shorts of traffic from Langjing Achouba area along NH-37.
A public meeting was also convened today morning amidst the protest attended by various civil society organizations of the state. Representatives of UPF, AMUCO, UCM, NIPCO, WASHAK, MAPI Council, Coordination Committee NH-37, Haorang Keithel Village Development Association AMYPCO, Imphal West Students’ Club, Khumbong etc. were present on the meeting organized by the JAC at the community hall of Patsoi Tuliyaima Century Club. Speakers in the meeting vehemently condemn the excess committed by the militants which are presently ensuing suspension of operation with the government. They criticized the permission granted by the government to this militants group to carry weapon and committed all form of crimes against the government.
After the public meeting the large number of people staged a protest rally at Patsoi area.
The meeting resolved to call general strike from midnight today and urged the government to arrest and punished the KRF cadres who were involved to the killing of the two labourers and assault of a minor boy within 2 days. It also urged the government to suspend the suspension of operation signed with the government immediately.
The JAC formed against the brutal killing of the two labourers however appealed the public not to engage in violent protest. It vehemently condemn the government for imposing curfew in the area when the civil society organizations and the people of the area are convening meeting.
The meeting further resolved to pay the compensation by the KRF and not by the government. It urged the government to immediately stop the suspension of operation with all the militant groups if they cannot control the activities of the militant groups.
The meeting also resolved to intensify the agitation if the demands put up today are not fulfill by the government within two days.
The vehicles which were set ablaze by the agitators today includes a Bolero bearing registration number MN04A 7803, Maruti SN Diva car, A DI tata mini truck, a Gypsy vehicle and a Tata truck.
Manipur police who rushed the area where the agitators were reportedly burning the vehicles could not save the vehicles as the roads were field with stones , woods and planks.
