Lagatar24 Desk
IMPHAL: Members of various civil society organisations held a rally on Tuesday in Imphal West district, defying curfew orders, to protest against the reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of Manipur.
Protest Stopped Amid Curfew
The rally, organised by groups including the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, started from Kwakeithel and covered around 3.5 km before being halted by police at Keisampat junction.
“We strongly condemn the reimposition of AFSPA in areas under six police stations,” said one protester, referencing the recent firing incident in Jiribam district that resulted in one death and one injury.
Jiribam Firing Incident
The firing incident occurred during a clash between security forces and a mob vandalising properties in Jiribam’s Babupara area. It took place shortly after the reimplementation of AFSPA in Jiribam.
AFSPA Reimposed in Six Areas
The AFSPA, which grants armed forces wide-ranging powers in disturbed areas, was recently reimposed in six police station areas of Manipur, including Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West, Lamlai in Imphal East, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi, and Moirang in Bishnupur.
According to a Union Home Ministry notification, the decision was made due to the “continuous volatile situation” in the region caused by ongoing ethnic violence.
