Newly elected BJP MLA of Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency Kh Joykishan was arrested today while leading a protest from his residence at Thangmeiband against the move of the state government to construct a temporary market shed along the already heavily congested Thangal Bazar road. The arrest was made by a team of state security personnel headed by Additional SP (OPS) O Bikramjit from Kasturi Bridge when MLA Joykishan, along with a large number of supporters started his march towards Kasturi Bridge defying a curfew imposed by the state since yesterday in Thangmeiband and Thangal Bazar area including Nagamapal and Khuyathong. Security personnel already deployed in the curfew inposed area took Joykishan to Imphal West Police station and later produced at the High Court. He was then taken back to IW Police Station. Soon after the arrest of the MLA spread, supporters started pelting stones and a large number of people took to the streets defying the curfew. Security personnel had to resort to firing tear –gas and mock-bombs in an attempt to contain the growing agitation. A number of agitators were injured during the melee and had to undergo medical treatment. Hijam (o) Ibeyaima Devi 45, W/O Kumar of Khuyathong, Yumnam (o) Bijaya Devi 40, W/o Sarat of Polem Leikai, RK Thouranisabi 38, W/o Surjit of Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai, Gurumayum Memchoubi 38, W/o G Shanti of Khuyathong Polem Leikai, Ningthoujam Boni 45, S/o (L) Bijoy of Nagamapal Kabrabam Leikai, Gurumayum Donbi 48, S/o (L) G Nandalal of Thangmeiband Lourempurel Leikai were amongst several who sustained serious injuries to the head and body requiring stitches and other medical treatments. The situation is poised to worsen as the agitators and those spearheading the agitation have declared their resolve to continue the stir.
