IMPHAL, March 9: Demanding the unconditional release of three church leaders of the Namthanjang village reportedly arrested by Sapermeina police, a JAC formed in this in this connection has threatened to launch intense form of agitation along the National Highway 37 Imphal-Jiribam road, if the arrested individuals were not released by March 10.
Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press club today, the convenor of the JAC Lungthuilun Riamei, has identified the church leaders as one Gaikhanlung Gangmei, 42, son of Lankaolung, treasurer of church committee, Gaihempou Kamei, 50, son of Mathiuhom, Church deacon and Namthanlung Riamei, 40, son of Katangam, Church secretar.
The convenor informed that the trio were arrested by a team of Gamnom Sapermeina police near HVS brick field around 7 pm yesterday under the alleged instigation of Makudinang Riamei, former village secretary.
Corroborating his theory, he said that Makudinang was removed from village secretary post and banish from the village on the charge of fund embezzlement meant for the development of the village.
Following Makudinang’s ousted, R Manjagong was appointed as the new village secretary, he said adding that further alleged to have indulged in various anti people activities against the villagers.
The JAC convenor further denounced the act of the police, stated that no criminal case was lodged against the arrested leaders despite having detained for 24 hours.
He opined that the police personnel of Gamnom Sapermeina have misused their authority rather than upholding the law fairly and firmly to prevent crime, pursue and bring justice to thouse who break the law.
It has been further alleged that Army, para-military forces, who are station near the village have also been harassing the villagers under the instigation of Makudinang constantly. As a result the villagers especially students who are appearing in BOSEM and COHSEM examination, are compelled to move out to safer place to concentrate on their studies, the JAC convenor added.
In the meantime, the JAC has reportedly submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and DGP Manipur demanding to take necessary action against the erring police personnel and for the unconditional release of the three church leaders.
In event of the failure to materialise the demands, the JAC threatens to launch intense form of agitation.