Imphal, May 04 2010: A mass protest demonstration was staged at Mao today against the Cabinet decision to bar NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah from entering Manipur.

However, attempts to take out a protest rally was foiled by police at about 11.20 am today.

In a similar show of dissent against the State Government's decision, a large number of people staged protest at Chandel too.

The protest demonstration staged at Japhou Bazar, Chandel district headquarters was jointly organised by the Chandel Naga People's Organisation (CNPO), Chandel Naga Women's Association (CNWA), Chandel Naga Human Rights (CNHR) and Chandel Naga Students' Association (CNSA).

The protesters used festoons which read "Naga people welcome Th Muivah, Ato Kilonser GPRN", "Let our leader visit his home", "We condemn the State Cabinet decision", "Manipur Government, Stop Terrorising", "Th Muivah, a Peace Negotiator" etc.

Because of the protest demonstration, markets and shops remained shut till it was over.

During the protest demonstration staged under security vigil, many speakers, using loud-speakers, denounced the State Government's act of obstructing Th Muivah from visiting Manipur.