The Maring Napuya Yinglam (MNY) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Maring Uparup Assembly (MUA) general secretary Ch. Merungkham, who was arrested by Manipur Police on the morning of October 27, alleging that his detention was unjustified.
The demand was raised during a protest meeting held at Tuishimi Keithel near Pallel on Thursday, jointly organised by the Pallel Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (PAMPL), MNY, MUA and the Maring Students’ Union (MSU).
Addressing the gathering, MNY president Adim said the Maring community strongly opposed the arrest of the general secretary of its apex organisation and appealed to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam to intervene and ensure his release without imposing any conditions.
MUA president W. Hangshing Maring alleged that a commando team from Kakching district arrested Merungkham on suspicion and levelled several allegations against him. He questioned the basis of the allegations, asserting that they were unfounded and should be established through a fair investigation.
He maintained that Merungkham had been working for the welfare of the Maring community and promoting peaceful coexistence amid the prevailing situation in Manipur. He urged the authorities to consider the wider circumstances and release him unconditionally.
Hangshing also appealed to community leaders and other stakeholders to pursue their demands through lawful means, while cautioning that continued detention could deepen public resentment. He said the community had so far exercised restraint and sought a peaceful resolution, but warned that the trust placed in the authorities should not be undermined.
PAMPL finance secretary Romita Leimapokpam also expressed concern over the allegations against Merungkham and joined the demand for his immediate and unconditional release.
The organisations urged the state government to intervene in the matter and address the concerns raised by the Maring community.