Imphal, Nov 25 : People in Manipur have come out strongly in protest against the violence perpetrated by the rebel groups.

People of the State have gradually started defying militants, who have made their lives difficult.

Recently, a bomb blast took place in an electronic shop in Imphal's Paona Bazar area, because the owner of the shop failed to pay extortion money demanded by the rebels.

The rebel groups, who attempt to create a fear psychosis among the masses by triggering bomb blasts, have not deterred the Manipuris.

All sections of society have come out openly against the highhandedness of the militant groups.

As the blast occurred in the busy market all were left unawares.

“We are not aware how it happened, as we were engaged in talking to customers, as several of them were there at that time. We thought it was a cracker blast and rushed out of the shop. We saw smoke billowing," said Rajesh, a salesman and an eyewitness to the blast.

The irony is that militant organisations claim to represent particular tribal sections, but seldom care about the people.

People now understand the rebel designs, and therefore despite all the threats, people are resisting these antisocial forces.

Sharmila Devi, a blast victim, said “Such acts are meant only to destroy the harmony and peace of society.”

The locals, generally silent about the activities of the underground groups, now are openly supporting the administration's drive against them.

An example of the people's resistance to the rebel violence is the gunning down of some insurgents recently after a tip-off from the people.

“The police team acted on a tip-off, and in an encounter one militant was killed,” said Jhalajit Singh, SDPO, Imphal West Police.

Manipuris want to live in peace and are willing to walk that extra mile to bring the State on the path of development. (ANI)