Over a dozen persons including woman journalist injured in Manipur
Imphal, Sep 21 : Over 12 persons, mostly women, including a woman journalist, were injured in firing by security personnel as thousands of people marched towards different police stations as a part of mass court arrest stir on Thursday.
As the situation worsened, curfew was reimposed in Imphal West and Imphal East districts.
A 48-hour general strike concluded on Wednesday midnight over the arrest of five village defenders by Manipur Police.
As the government decided to take up actions against the defenders for having arms and ammunitions a public meeting convened by Langthabal Kendra Club’s coordinating committee , Langthabal Kendra Meira Paibi coordinating committee, All Kongba Road United Clubs Organisation, Kuraomakhong United Club, Sagolband Apunba Lup, Khurai Ahongei Thangjam Leikai Club asked people to court arrest at the nearest police station.
Following the call people came out braving heavy rainfall to march towards police stations but they were stopped by deploying security personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel.
The protestors said after clashes began at Churachandpur district on May 3 between two ethnic groups people were forced to defend themselves as heavily armed persons were attacking people.
They further said Manipur Police and other security personnel were arresting people who were defending the people in the valley areas while people from another warring ethnic group were freely roaming in the three hill districts of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Tengnoupal.
They also said militants and civilians displayed arms and took part in the march past during Independence day celebrations at Churachandpur overruling all rules, protocols but not a single person was arrested. Slogans were made demanding equal actions in all parts of the state to end the violence.
