Imphal, September 11: The mass public rally scheduled to be taken out against the alleged excesses committed by the security forces and to demand the unconditional release of TIPS general secretary L Umakanta and publicity secretary Y Langamba alias Thabi has been foiled.

Apart from not giving the permission to take out the rally, the State Government had also taken up stringent security measures giving no room for the protestors to congregate.

The protest rally was proposed by the Mee-Ot-Meenei Kanba Apunba Lup (MEEKAL) with due support from Working Committee of the Apunba Lup, a conglomerate of various social organisations which have been opposing the prolonged imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in Manipur.

As announced earlier, the rally was to start from THAU Ground, Thang-meiband at 11 am.

But to ensure that the rally does not take place, the Government deployed its security forces since early morning in and around the area.

Over and above the State forces, Central security forces like CRPF personnel were also pressed into service at various strategic points like in front of Raj Bhawan, Keishampat, Sanjenthong and other parts of Imphal East and West.

Security personnel herded off the protestors who gathered at THAU ground and did not allow anybody to enter the venue.

At around 11.30 am, some womenfolk came toward THAU ground carrying banners to take part in the rally.

But the security forces reacted swiftly and dispersed them.

Buses coming from far flung areas carrying protestors for the rally were also intercepted along the way and were not allowed to cross the outskirts of the city.

After the rally was foiled, a public meeting attended by representatives of Working Committee of the Apunba Lup and other social organisations was held at BOAT, Palace Compound at 2.30 pm.

But here again, the security personnel arrived as soon as the meeting started and dispersed the gathering.

It is said the meeting was dispersed as the protestors could not produce the relevant document permitting them to organise the meeting when the police personnel asked for it.

The police personnel also removed all the banners and festoons put up at the site of the meeting.

Addressing the meeting before it was dispersed, MEEKAL convenor Kh Basantakumar said foiling the public rally which was proposed to be taken out in a democratic manner by the Government with use of its forces was really unfortunate.

Stating that was a disgrace for the Chief Minister for not understanding the rights and aspirations of the people, Basantakumar also criticised the Deputy Commissioners of Imphal East and Imphal West Districts for denying permission.

To ensure that the ongoing democratic agitation of the people does not intensify and erupt, the State Government should understand the stand and objective of MEEKAL while there is time, he warned.

Reports of confrontation between the police and the protestors, mostly womenfolk are also coming in from different parts.

At around 3 .30 pm, around 11 women activists carrying the mock coffin of the Chief Minister came to court arrest themselves in front of Old Secretariat.

The police used water canon to disperse them.

Strongly condemning attitude of the Govt, the women activists identified as Meisnam Memcha Leima, RK (O) Tombi-sana Leima, Moirangthem( O) Pakpi Leima, Nameirakpam (O) Bija-yarani Leima, Salam (O)i Samamani Leima, Chingkham Mani Leima, Laishram Bimola Leima, Chingabam (O) Rita Leima, Nongmaithem Memma Leima, Mayanglambam Memcha Leima and Thongam Shantibala Leima have boycotted all the 60 elected representatives of Manipur for their alleged silent over the issue.

At around 4.40 pm, a large number of women protestors from coming from different parts simultaneously started mobilising to take out the rally.

But the police personnel reached on time to dispersed them.

Social Encouragement Youth Assn (Moirang Khunou), Moirang Khunou Nganuleima Ma-kha Leikai Meira Paibi Lup and Moirang Khunou Gram Sabha Ima Meira Paibi Apu-nba Lup have announced their decision to support the agitation being launched for unconditional release of the arrested TIPS members.

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