Demand for release of human rights activists

Imphal, Sept 9: Public outcry and protests over the arrest of two human rights activists by police and Assam Rifles continued today in Manipur.

Sit-in protests were held in various parts of the state demanding release of Umakanta, general secretary and Thabi, publicity secretary of the Threatened Indigenous Society (TIPS).

Last night torch rallies were taken out at Uripok, Bishenpur, Thoubal districts demanding release of the duo.

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and the Amnesty International (AI) had also urged the Chairperson of the Bar Council of India to ensure that the lawyers in Manipur were not harassed and tortured as Umakanta was a lawyer.

The Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) had written a letter to the Chairperson of the Bar Council of India to express deep concern over the detention of the duo.

Thousands of people hit the streets last night to protest the arrest.

Slogans were shouted demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, release of the two human rights activists.

Effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi were also burnt by those, who took part in the rallies. Police said there was no untoward incident during the rallies, which were simultaneously held in various parts of the state.

UNI