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| Protesters in Imphal on Monday. Picture by Eastern Projections |
Imphal, Jan 20 : A tracksuit manufacturing firm here remained shut since yesterday in protest against the abduction of Eelangbam Toto Singh, husband of proprietor Roma Devi, by suspected security personnel at 8.30 on Saturday night.
They allegedly tortured the former national-level footballer before releasing him 90 minutes later on condition that a sum of Rs 1.5 lakh be paid within three days.
The workers of Hiro Hito Track Suit Industry — the company that supplies tracksuits to sportspersons and security forces — and meira paibi (women activists) leaders held a sit-in today in front of the office demanding protection for the couple and the workers.
Toto Singh was bundled into a Gypsy in the presence of Roma Devi. Last night, he lodged a written complaint to chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh seeking protection. An official source said state police were investigating the matter.
Legal aid: Lawyers, journalists, senior citizens and rights activists jointly formed a legal aid centre, Legal Protection Centre, in Imphal East, to give free legal aid to families of victims of “extra-judicial” killings by government forces.
The office of the centre is located at the office of Human Rights Initiatives at Palace Compound in Imphal East.