Attempt to burn Modi’s effigy foiled

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, January 16, 2019: Police foiled attempts to burn the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by volunteers of Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) in Imphal East today.

The attempt to burn the effigy was made demanding withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that was passed in Lok Sabha on January 7.

When the MMWO volunteers tried to burn the effigy of the Prime Minister some police personnel in civil dress snatched the effigies and ran away.

Tension arose when the members tried to chase the police personnel. Imphal East police commando rushed at the spot. In order to control the scenario a police commando team triggered smoke grenade towards the agitators and kept the situation under control.

MMWO president Abdullah Fundreimayum said, “Demands of a separate independent territory might come for north eastern region if citizenship amendment bill, 2019 is passed in Rajya Sabha.

He was talking to reporters at the welfare organisation’s office before the agitators attempted to burn the effigy of Modi.

Abdullah said the government must give a legitimate stand against the bill instead of assuring that it will take necessary steps against the bill.

The chief minister and its council of ministers must declare their stand to resign as ministers or members of their respective political parties, he added.

If the bill is passed in Rajya Sabha it will turns into an act which many illegal migrants would be enjoying to enter the country. The influx will give huge impact in the north eastern region, said Abdula.

Decrying the passing of the bill and to submit a memorandum to governor a democratic rally was jointly organised with MMWO and students yesterday. As the rally reached Sanjenthong bridge while heading towards governor’s bungalow, state police blocked the rally. During confrontation between the police and protestors nine members of MMWO and 1 student were injured, said Abdullah.

He said members of MMWO are not scare and ready to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Manipur integrity.

He said passing of citizenship amendment bill 2019 is violation of cultural identity and assassination of identity for the entire north eastern people. MMWO will continue its agitation against the bill if necessary the organisation jointly work with other civil organisation of Manipur, he added.