Protests against arrest of village volunteers foiled

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 11 : Police today foiled protests against the arrest of village volunteers in some places, even as demonstrations against the crackdown continue.
A team of Imphal West police prevented protests from taking place at Keishamthong Keithel and Pishum Keithel by intervening at the initial stage.
The protest at Keishamthong Keithel was to be organised by Keishamthong Hodam Leirak Meira Paibi and  Keishamthong Top Leirak Meira Paibi.
Speaking to the media in this regard, Thongam Seityamala said that they requested the police to allow them to stage their protest peacefully but was denied.
She said that protesting against the Government during President's Rule isn't allowed, according to the police.
To a media query, she said that they planned to protest against the security forces' crackdown on Meetei village volunteers.
She claimed that security forces conducted fewer combing operations in Kuki areas compared to Meitei areas.
Langthabal Left Women's Welfare Association, meanwhile, staged their protest at Langthabal Left Community Hall.
On the sideline, Nongmeikakpam Ganga Leima, a protester, said that the crisis which has been going on since May 3, 2023 has affected all profoundly.
Saying that they are against the alleged divide and rule policy of India, she charged that the  Government is responsible for the crisis besetting Manipur.
The protesters at Langthabal held placards with inscriptions such as "Stop the State sponsored terrorism immediately", "Stop the proxy  war and protect lives", "Don't violate human rights" and "Manipur should never be disintegrated" among others.
Similar protests were also staged at Langthabal Phura Makhong Community Hall and some other places.
At the protest site at Langthabal, Laiphrakpam Memtombi, assistant secretary of the Nambul Mapal Nupi Samaj Welfare Association, reported that a team of Imphal East police visited the local club and instructed them not to proceed with the planned protest.
She said that they questioned the police for not allowing a peaceful assembly.
Protesting isn't permitted under PR according to the police, Memtombi said and added they, however, staged the protest as planned.