IMPHAL, December 21: In continuation of agitations against the physical assault of a Manipuri film actor Momoko Khangembam and an attempt to shoot two artists by self styled lt. col. Livingstone of NSCN-IM on December 18 at Mahamani Higher Secondary School ground, Chandel, members of Film Forum, Manipur, State Shumang Leela Council and other leaders of civil society organizations organized a protest meeting at Keisam Leikai Yumjao Lairembi community Hall, Keisampat.
In the public meeting, convenor of the Joint Committee on ILP Sapamcha Jadumani, other leaders of civil society organisations and eminent political leaders also attended the protest and condemned the alleged crime committed by the NSCN-IM cadre.
Members of Film Forum Manipur along with other civil society group members took out an agitation rally towards the CM Bungalow after the meeting.
When the rally was intercepted by the state police force towards the CM`s bungalow, it led to altercations ending in a fierce lathi charge. The rally included the actor Momoko who was evacuated by the Deputy SP, Traffic.
Momoco was taken to RIMS as she passed out in the rush that followed but was discharged later in the evening.
Earlier, the case of assault was also condemned by the Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also has the Home Department portfolio during the last day of the 3rd session of the 10thManipur Legislative Assembly where he has expressed in the house that the Government had already dispatched AR and state police to investigate into the matter and book the culprit.
Following the lathi-charge, Film Forum Manipur in association with Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and other civil society organization continued their public meeting cum protest rally at Keisamleikai Yumjao Lairembi community Hall, Keisampat.
The public meeting further took up a resolution to impose indefinite general strike throughout the state from midnight tonight. The resolution further stated that the general strike will continue till the culprit is booked under the law of land. The strike however will not apply to essential services of the state.
Meanwhile, DIG (Range-II) Chandramani of the state police department has conducted a spot enquiry today in regard with the incident where the Manipuri actress was allegedly molested as well as assaulted by an NSCN (IM) cadre during a music concert held on December 21 at Mahamani Higher Secondary School ground in Chandel.
It may also be mention here that a case has also been registered with Chandel police station in regard to the incident and a manhunt has been launch by the Chandel police to arrest the accused person identified as Livingstone.