Imphal, May 03 2010: Tension is slowly mounting at Senapati and Ukhrul where large number of people gathered at public grounds defying the prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC. The people are protesting the State Cabinet decision to ban NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah from coming to Manipur.

Angam reports from Ukhrul: Amid tight security arrangements and imposition of prohibitory orders under section 144 of Crpc in the heart of Ukhrul town, a mammoth public meeting was held at Tangkhul Naga Long(TNL) ground today defying the prohibitory orders which came into force from 7 am today.

Following the ban on the maiden visit of Ato Kilonser(Prime Minister) of NSCN(I-M), Thuingaleng Muivah to his hometown, several hundreds of people gathered at the ground to attend the public rally at 11 am.

The meeting condemned the restriction on the people's aspiration and their democratic rights when all Naga people of Ukhrul district were maintening peace and were read to welcome the Naga National leaders.

Leaders of apex Tangkhul Civil Society organisations including Tangkhul Naga Long(TNL), Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long(TMNL), Tangkhul Shanao Long(TSL) and others addressed the gathering.

The public meeting condemned the prohibitory orders and restrictions imposed to Th Muivah.

During the meeting, all shops and schools remained closed.

Vehicles did not ply.

The meeting went on till about 12.30 noon.

About 4-5 rounds of tear gas shells were fired by Ukhrul Police just at the end of the public meeting.

However, there was no casualty.

Ukhrul Police used loud speakers in announcing the prohibitory orders and ordred all the shops to close doors.

According to reports received late tonight from Ukhrul, at least two police gypsies and one DI Tata also belonging to police were damaged by angry mobs when police tried to stop a torch rally taken out by a large number of people at Ukhrul town.

Reports received here said that police exercised utmost restraint in dealing with the situation and did not resort to any harsh measure.

Meanwhile, people's enthusiasm to receive Th Muivah is increasing by the hours.

On the other hand, Newmai News Network reports that in Senapati, large number of security forces personnel were seen patroling around while the people carried out sit-in-protest in different places.

Public meetings are still going on in different places at Senapati districts.

The people in Senapati district organised a candle light rally last night in protest against the state cabinet decision.

The people become quite tense after the security forces personnel destroyed the 'welcome banner' for Th.Muivah at Mao Gate in the Manipur-Nagaland border yesterday.