Thosands of women tries to enter CM's residence, agitation on

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 also held in various parts of the state demanding release of Thabi publicity secretary of the Threatened Indigenous Society (TIPS), who were arrested in August.

Last night torch rallies at Uripok, Bishenpur in Thoubal districts 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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