Agitating women try to enter CM's residence

Imphal, Sep 9 (UNI) About 500 women today tried to enter Raj Bhawan and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's official residence, demanding release of the two arrested human rights activists.

Police used water cannons, tear gas shells to disperse the mob and tightened the security in the zone near the Raj Bhawan and Chief Minister's residence.

Several agitating women were seriously injured during the confrontation with the police, official sources said.

Demonstrations were held in various parts of the state, demanding release of a member of the Threatened Indigenous Society (TIPS), who was arrested in August.

Torch rallies were orgainsed at Uripok, Bishenpur in Thoubal districts last night demanding release of the duo, sources said.

They shouted slogans against the Armed Forces Special Act 1958 and burnt the chief minister's effigies.

Expressing deep concern over the issue, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and the Amnesty International (AI) also urged the Chairperson of the Bar Council of India to ensure that the duo were not harassed or tortured.

However, no untoward incident had been reported from other parts of the state, police said.

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