A torch-light (Meira) rally organised as part of the movement launched by JFD demanding implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur before the Census was stopped by police at Keirak Sekmai Barrage along National Highway 137(A) in Kakching district on Monday evening.
The rally was jointly organised by Yelhoumee Kanba Lup of Keirak Maning Leikai, Wabagai, Hiyanglam, Khoidum, Tejpur and Mayeng Lamjao. It began from Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar in the Hiyanglam-Wabagai area and proceeded towards Kakching along National Highway 137(A).
When the rally reached the vicinity of Keirak Sekmai Barrage, personnel of Kakching District Police stopped the participants and held discussions with the organisers, urging them to turn back. Following an agreement with the Ema-Ebels, some participants began retreating.
However, a section of the participants insisted on proceeding towards Kakching, resulting in a confrontation with the police. Police subsequently fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
During the confrontation, two personnel of Kakching District Police were injured after allegedly being struck by stones and slingshots (naori) thrown from among the protesters.
A young girl who was sleeping inside her house was also reportedly affected by tear gas smoke and was rushed to hospital for treatment. No injuries among the protesters were reported.
