Governor's negative reponse peeves protestors
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 31 2009: Demanding resignation of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, punishment of commandos involved in the twin killings of July 23 and unconditional release of the Apunba Lup functionaries, women activists of the Apunba Lup marched to the Raj Bhawan today.

The women agitators, numbering around 50, were however blocked by police before they could reach the Raj Bhawan.

Cops stopping women activists near the Raj Bhawan

Later, 12 women activists were selected from amongst the protesters and allowed to meet the Governor.

According to one of the women who had met the Governor, the response of the Governor was negative, reports NNN.

Protesting against the negative response of the Governor, the women took out a protest rally from the gate of the Raj Bhawan towards Tiddim road.

On the other hand, students of different schools located along Mayai Lambi till Hiyangthang staged protest demonstrations against the Khwairamband killings today.

Denouncing the July 23 killings, the students demanded punishment of the guilty commandos and to put a complete halt to fake encounters.

Such protest demonstrations were staged at Scholar Academy, Heirangoithong Lourembam Leikai; Trinity Public School, Mongshangei; Mira Public School, Mongshangei; Maipakpi New Age Public School, Langthabal Kunja Thong Ahanbi; Piyainu Public English School, Langthabal Phura Makhong, St Stephen English School Hiyangthang.

Similar protest demonstrations were also staged at different places including Yumnam Patlou, Pangei, Chingshu, Yumnam Khunou, Haraorok, Sarouthel, Yumnam Awang Leikai, Sinam and Tangkham.

The protesters were demanding resignation of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, stoppage of fake encounters and State excesses and resignation of all the sixty MLAs who have failed to protect and uphold the rights of the people.

Effigy of Chief Minister O Ibobi was burnt at Kongba Nandeibam Leikai.

Meanwhile, the BJP Manipur branch was not allowed to hold a sit-in protest today at Kumbi bus parking in Bishnupur district against the July 23 shooting incident at Khwairamband bazar.

Police took away the banners and placards used by the protestors, which included the BJP Manipur unit president H Borbabu, and dispersed the protestors.

H Borbabu condemned the act of the police and said that the protest was a peaceful and democratic one.

By not allowing the protest, the stand of the party against the July 23 incident has been made stronger, he said.

The Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) also held a sit-in protest at Bishnupur bazaar today.