Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 21:
The rape of an 18 year old girl by a personnel of 38 Assam Rifles on March 13 and assault and detention of journalists who went to cover the incident was protested today at Chairel Leingang Mangjing community hall.
The protest sitting held under the aegis of Social Action Committee (SAC) constituted by local clubs, Meira Paibis and other organisations under Borayangbi Gram Panchayat was participated by hundreds of students and Meira Paibis.
The protesters belong to Leingang Mangjing, Pombikhok, Tangjeng, Chandonpokpi, Napat, Thoubal-tabi, Khoijumantabi, Chairel, Khullakpat, Lai Angou-bi, Sandangkhong Thongthak, Borayangbi, Khodang and Langnubi.
After raping Nengneikim Haokip and the rapist had attempted to murder her, the people launched a strong protest.
From the team of reporters who went to cover the incident, two scribes were physically assaulted by AR troops.
The rape accused AR Rifleman Namthuipou Gangmei was pulled up by police on March 18 and he is being interrogated upon.
Member of SAC Haobam Ishubala who participated in the protest sitting demanded that the rapist should be hanged to death in public instead of sending him to jail.
As for the arrogant personnel who assaulted and detained scribes, all of them should be suspended from service.
Observing that security personnel are being encouraged to perpetrate such ghastly crimes by the immunity guaranteed to them under the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, the protesters urged for immediate repeal of AFSPA from all over Manipur.