The Manipuri community along with locals formed a human chain in front of Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar yesterday, demanding that the government take necessary steps to protect Manipuri land from grabbers.

The human chain was organised by Sammilito Manipuri Samaj of Sylhet. The community demanded the prime minister's intervention to protect their land.

Speakers at the human chain said, there has been a Tant (handloom) Training Centre under Manipuri social welfare initiative on 0.48 acres of "Vested Property" at Manipuripara of Shibganj in the city for the last 50 years.

The centre was given priority from several government projects over the years but in recent times, a group of local influential people have been trying to grab the land, the speakers said.

They alleged that there is a case under the Vested Property Repeal (Return) Act 2001 at a Sylhet court but the state side not moving forward with the case willingly.

Presided over by Sammilito Manipuri Samaj President Dhiren Sinha, Bangladesh Nrityashilpi Sangtha President Anil Kishan Sinha, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) Sylhet President Faruque Mahmud Chowdhury, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) Sylhet General Secretary Abdul Karim Kim and others were present at the event.