Manipur: Late night protests mar peace in the state, 3 dists still under curfew

Late night protests kept security forces on their toes as Manipur continued to simmer in the recent spate of violence. However, after review of the situation, curfew was relaxed in Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal districts this morning for 7 hours from 5 AM to 11 AM.

Last night, protests were witnessed in different parts despite curfew and prohibitory orders in place.

Situation turned tense after protestors in huge numbers gathered near the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh in his home town Heingang under Imphal East district. At one point of time when the protestors were prevented from going beyond a certain point, the situation turned ugly prompting police to fire tear gas shells and smoke bombs.

Initially reports surfaced that the mob had stormed the Chief Minister’s residence, but the Manipur Police soon denied any such situation.

In a post on X, the Manipur Police said, “News of CM’s personal residence being mobbed is false and misleading. Adequate security is already in place.”

On the other hand senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) met at the Police Headquarter last night to deliberate on the prevailing situation.

The Manipur Police in a post on X said, “A meeting of senior officers of CAPF was held at PHQ, Imphal to discuss the present law and order situation in the state.

The officers were apprised of the unfortunate injuries of students as well as security personnel. The forces discussed to use minimum force in dealing with the public especially students.”

The Manipur Police further said, that it will initiate stern action against those trying to derail peace. It said, “Manipur Police appeals to the students to co-operate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and bringing normalcy back early. Any miscreants taking advantage of the current situation will be firmly dealt by police.”

“The joint security forces are making all efforts for expeditious investigation into all the cases,” the X post by Manipur Police added.

Protest and violence continued late into the night in Imphal after a mob tried to storm the residence of MLA S Kebi Devi at Naoriya Pakhanglakpa in Imphal west. Violence also erupted at the Palace Compound in Imphal East.
In Bishnupur, women folk staged massive rallies at Nambol expressing their resentment against the State Government. Confrontation broke out between Security Forces and womenfolk upon reaching Nambol Bazzar, gas shells and smoke bombs were used to disperse the protestors.