Defy curfew, exhorts Apunba Lup
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 05 2009: While vehemently condemning clamping of curfew, the working Committee of the Apunba Lup has said that rather than succumb to such strong arm tactics of the State Government, it is even more determined to persevere with the ongoing agitation along with the public.

In a statement issued today, the conglomerate body asserted that the attempt of the Government to crack down on the movement launched to denounce the conduct of the trigger happy commandos in the July 23 BT Road incident is highly condemnable.

A cartoon from Hiajm Satya from TSE

Contending that no less than resignation of the Chief Minister, owning moral responsibility for the killing of Ch Sanjit and Rabina Devi, as well as exemplary punishment of the guilty police commandos, would be acceptable, the Lup maintained than until and unless sentiment of the people is honoured the agitation would persist.

Calling upon JACs formed in connection with stage-managed killings in the state to sustain the movement by defying imposition of curfew from tomorrow onwards, the Lup pointed out alleged failure of past investigations against similar incidents.

With apparent reference to the Chief Minister announcing institution of a judicial probe and suspension of six commando personnel, the Lup dismissed the Government's belated decision as a mere eye-wash to divert the issue.

Reiterating that O Ibobi Singh should seek no other option but to step down with immediate effect, it questioned morality of the CM in clinging on to the chair of the Chief Minister he (Ibobi) had already approved action of the police commandos in the BT Road firing which was negated by the suspension of six personnel.

There is no guarantee the suspended personnel would not get promotion once the suspension order is revoked, opined the body.

Further, taking serious note of detention of some Lup activists and terming the arrest as cowardly, the conglomerate body of many organisations also demanded unconditional release of all those arrested.