Sit-in protest staged
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 24 2023: Residents of Khergao Awang Sabal Leikai staged a sit-in protest today demanding the release of Md Rafi (37) who was one of five persons arrested by District Police charged with pelting stones at a team of Imphal East police on the night of January 20.Speaking by the sideline of the protest, Azizur Rahman, president, Sabal Leikai Youth Development Association and Masjid Committee secretary claimed that Md Rafi, who hails from Khergao Awang Sabal Leikai, was not involved in the stone-pelting incident of January 20 .

Further claiming his innocence, the president shared that Md Rafi made his living by lending money to shops in Khergao, Keikhu and Naharup and making daily collections.

Azizur Rahman further clarified that Md Rafi was not a drug abuser, nor was he involved in the smuggling of drugs.

"He was merely present at the scene of the incident but has no involvement in the matter", he claimed.

Azizur Rahman then appealed for the immediate release of Md Rafi in the interest of his family and young children.

It may be noted that a team of IE police were reportedly attacked by a mob when they tried to raid a house in Kshetrigao Yumkhaibam Leirak on January 20 in order to seize drugs.

The mob allegedly attacked the police personnel by pelting stones at them.

Following this, District Police had picked up 5 persons in connection with the incident, one of which was Md Rafi.

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