Women urge AR to withdraw legal notice sent to politician

Imphal: A large number of women vendors of Ima (mother) markets in Imphal city on Wednesday staged a sit-in at the market complex, demanding the Assam Rifles (AR) to withdraw the legal notice it served against Republican Party of India (Athawale) national secretary Maheshwar Thounoujam.The notice dated August 18 was sent to Maheshwar for his alleged derogatory remarks against AR during a recent public meeting held in New Delhi. He also demanded total removal of the rifles from the state. The Assam Rifles, which has been deployed in Manipur mainly to fight insurgency, sought an apology from the young politician.Convener of Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee Manipur, Laishram Memma, said there is proof of the Assam Rifles siding with the Kukis while discharging their duties in the areas of the ongoing conflict. tnn