Effigies of Sonia, Patil burnt in Manipur

India-made goods particularly bottles of soft drinks and mineral water were also destroyed by agitators in Manipur.

Effigies of AICC president Sonia Gandhi, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh were burnt and 'India-made' goods particularly bottles of soft drinks and mineral water were destroyed on Sunday by agitators demanding withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from the state.

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Official reports said thousands of agitators shouted that people of the state did not have freedom of speech and human rights and set fire to copies of Indian Constitution at Wabagai, about 30 km from Imphal.

They also burnt effigies of the leaders and Assam Rifles officials.

Bottles of soft drink and mineral water were destroyed at Heirangoithong near Imphal, the reports said.

Thirty-two organisations were observing non-cooperation movement in the state and boycotting what they termed, India made goods, demanding withdrawal of the Act.