Women lead movement against human right violations in Imphal

IMPHAL - Women here took out a torch rally intensifying movement against the human right violations allegedly by security personnel.

Apunba Lup, an umbrella organization of local groups, has been spearheading the agitation demanding removal of state Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, and punishment to the involved commandos.

Protesters alleged that police personnel used tear gas shells, rubber bullets, mock bombs, batons and firearms to suppress the mass movement.

“What people want is that if government doesn’t take any action then we will participate in the mass movement led by Apunba Lup ceaselessly. If we don’t support this movement, then all women here would become widows. So, we have to go forward with the movement with courage,” said Ibemhal Devi, a protestor.

The mass movement has intensified since September 22. Several rallies have been conducted in all the districts of the state and effigies are regularly burnt.

Manipur has been on the boil since the killing of a pregnant woman and a suspected militant in a shootout on July 23 near the building of the state legislature in Imphal. Five others were injured in the shootout.

Protestors in the state are demanding stringent action against the police commandos allegedly involved in the shootout, which they have branded as a ‘fake encounter’.