People's protest against militancy getting shriller in Manipur

Imphal, July 5 : Even as the ULFA indulges in violence in Assam in desperation, militants in Manipur too are using terror to subdue the general public in state.

The quiet and determined protest by the people against militancy in the state has spread panic among underground groups. Most feel that terror tactics are not working, as the people are coming out openly against the militants.

Last week, some militant groups threw bombs at peaceful protestors in the Ningthoukhong Bazaar in Bishenpur District near Imphal. The injured people were protesting against the extortion demands made on shopkeepers. "The bomb blast happened when shopkeepers were staging a sit-in protest against the monetary demands of militant groups. We get such demands frequently," said RK Lembi, a villager.

"It is my appeal that these things should not happen again. What everybody wants, be it NGOs, civil societies, media, civilians or the government is that this should not happen again. What has happened is really bad," said Khelandra, a shopkeeper. Manipuris are increasingly vocalizing their anger against militancy, as they want peace and development.

ANI