IT News
Imphal, Sept 14:
Tensions in Manipur escalated further today as irate women gathered outside Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West, bringing the stillborn child of Laishram Ningol Sanjita Devi, who tragically lost her baby after being critically injured in a police tear gas incident. The emotionally charged protesters accused the authorities of “murdering” the unborn child and leaving the mother in critical condition.
The unrest began after 34-year-old Sanjita, nine months pregnant, suffered severe health complications when police fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse a protest in Kakwa. Sanjita, wife of Naorem Deepak, was at home in Kakwa Naorem Leikai during the incident and was later rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS). Doctors at the hospital reported that her blood pressure had dangerously spiked, raising concerns of a potential stroke. Despite medical efforts, the situation worsened, and the unborn child could not be saved. Sanjita’s condition remains critical, with a massive intracranial bleed detected during a CT scan conducted on September 13.
Curfew relaxation cancelled in Imphal East and West, shortened in Bishnupur
In response to escalating tensions in Manipur, authorities have imposed stringent curfew measures across the three districts of the Imphal Valley: Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Imphal West.
In Bishnupur, the District Magistrate revised the curfew relaxation period. Initially, curfew relaxation was permitted from 5:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but this has now been shortened to 5:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Essential services, including healthcare, education, and media personnel, are exempt from the restrictions.
In Imphal East and Imphal West, the situation has led to the cancellation of all previously granted curfew relaxations. Effective from 2:00 PM on September 14, 2024, both districts are under a complete curfew. Despite the cancellation, exemptions remain for essential workers in healthcare, electricity, telecom, banking, municipal staff, and media personnel. Additionally, in Imphal West, passengers traveling to and from the airport with valid permits are allowed movement.
These curfew measures aim to maintain public safety and order amid the increasing unrest in the region.
Outraged by the tragedy, a large group of women blocked National Highway 102, raising slogans like “Kill us all” and “Shoot us,” as they directed their fury at Kakwa Police Station. The scene turned even more somber when the womenfolk brought Sanjita’s stillborn child to the gates of the police station, demanding justice and accountability for what they described as the murder of the unborn baby.
The protests have once again highlighted the rising tensions in the area, with the grieving community calling for immediate action against the police responsible for firing the tear gas. The local population continues to express frustration over the use of force in their neighborhood, with the loss of an unborn child adding a deeply personal and painful dimension to the crisis.
