Meira Paibis staged a sit-in protest at Wangjing and Khongjom on Wednesday against the arrest of two village volunteers by Thoubal Police at Sangaiyumpham Cherapur. The volunteers were reportedly attempting to seize drugs in support of the state government’s War on Drugs campaign.
The two arrested individuals were identified as Narengbam Gobin, 38, son of Ibomcha from Wangjing Lamding Keithel, and Moirangmayum Romantic, also known as Prem, 28, son of the late Hemanta from Wangjing Wangkhei.
The protest, organised by the All Wangjing, Lamding, and Kairembikhok Clubs Organisation and Meira Paibis at Wangjing-Heirok Lamkhai held placards which read as “Release the Two Village Volunteers Unconditionally,” “We Condemn the Arrest of Anti-Drug Activists,” “Stop Supporting Drug Traffickers,” and more.
Speaking at the protest, a Meira Paibi named Oinam Thoibi claimed that the two individuals had been trying to seize drugs from Sangaiyumpham on August 26. She mentioned that one of the volunteers sustained injuries during an unfortunate incident. They were acting in support of the government’s War on Drugs, but were arrested by Thoubal Police without any justification. She further demanded the unconditional release of the detained individuals.
Meanwhile, convenor of All Wangjing, Lamding, and Kairembikhok Clubs Organisation, Rojen Thongam strongly condemned the arrests and called for the immediate release of the two individuals.
The protest led to several resolutions, including a demand for the immediate release of the arrested volunteers and cautioned for intensified agitation if the demand is not met.
On the other hand, the Khongjom Circle Apunba Meira Paibi also held a sit-in protest condemning the arrests of the two village volunteers.
