Manipuris protest against extortion threat by militant groups

IMPHAL - On the day of Holi when entire country was celebrating the festival, people of Oinam Thingel staged a sit-in-protest against a gun attack on an engineer’s residence.

Residents of Singjamei Oinam Thingel of Imphal, staged a sit in protest on Holi, condemning a gun attack on Oinam Tombi’s house.

Tombi is currently working as engineer at the Thoubal Deputy Commissioner’s office.

“Innocent people of the state are facing the brunt of militant’s repeated extortion demands, abduction and attacks. We are completely against such acts of violence,” said Memcha Devi, a protester.

“If they love their motherland, they shouldn’t do all these activities. They are attacking us and demanding money, just to meet their selfish ends,” said Thoibi Devi, a protester.

Suspected cadres of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) fired three rounds at the house. Fortunately no one was injured.

The attackers forcibly took away Rs 70,000 and one mobile phone.

Militants had been demanding Rs 5 lakh from Oinam Tombi and on February 27, a KCP gunman had come to inquire about the delay in payment of the amount.

The incident has left the family in a state of shock.

“I am old; my family did not want me to get tense about the problem they were facing. They told me later that militants had demanded money. Insert: When the incident occurred, my son was upstairs. I was in a state of panic and shock,” said Sanatombi Devi, mother of victim.

“We want to live in peace and harmony in the society. We have not harmed anyone,” said Asharani Devi, wife of victim

Protesters along with victim’s family members sat in front of the gate of the engineer’s house demanding an end to violence consuming the state and restoration of peace. (ANI)