IT News
Imphal, Sept 18:
Tension runs high in various parts of Imphal East and Imphal West districts after a Manipur Police team arrested 5 people from Kongba area on Saturday evening. Following the report of the arrest, a large number of people from various areas thronged to the Imphal East Police Station demanding the release of the arrested people as they are village defenders fighting for the protection of Manipur from illegal migrants. Police however said that that those five persons were arrested with sophisticated weapons.
As the number of womenfolk rose and tried to throng the Porompat Police Station on Saturday evening demanding the release of the five persons the police team fired several rounds of tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse them.
According to a tweet by Manipur police, it is stated that – “There have been reports of extortion threats, misuse of police uniform and impersonation by armed miscreants. In view of this, Manipur Police has been making all-out efforts to curb the same. In one such operation, on 16.09.2023, Manipur Police arrested 05 (five) persons with sophisticated weapons in camouflage uniforms.
“They are being proceeded legally. In response to this arrest, a large number of people came out to protest and tried to storm Porompat PS demanding the release of the arrested persons. Joint security forces repelled this attack by firing tear gas. In this, a few persons received minor injuries including RAF personnel. These 05(five) arrested persons were produced before the Judicial Magistrate and they have been remanded into further police custody for five days. Strict legal action is being taken against these anti-social elements. Manipur Police is determined to carry on such raids/ operations and make all-out efforts to bring peace and normalcy in the State. Simultaneously, Manipur Police appeals to the general public to refrain from such protests and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies in bringing peace and normalcy to the State”.
With the police and the government refusing to release those five persons large number of womenfolk came out on the street at various places between Singjamei to Canchipur areas. The womenfolk stopped all sorts of vehicular movement, however released those for emergency purposes. Shops and all business establishments were shut as women folk protested on the street. Similar protests were also witnessed at Khurai, Kongba, and Singjamei Chingamakha demanding the release of the five persons whom the womenfolk claimed as village defenders.
“We will continue the agitation till our five village defenders are released”, an angry meira paibi leader told media persons.
Report reaching here lately said that the police team fired rounds of tear gas shells at Singjamei Waikhom Leikai this afternoon to disperse the protestors.
Mentioned may be made that the women protestors tried to block even the Manipur Governor yesterday.
