Manipur: Irate mob attempts to storm CM’s private residence

Imphal: An irate mob, evidently frustrated with the government’s response to the abduction and murder case of the two students, Hijam Linthoinganbi and Phijam Hemanjit, attempted to storm Chief Minister N Biren’s private residence at Luwangsangbam in Imphal on Thursday evening, around 8 PM.

Protestors from various directions marched toward the Chief Minister’s residence to express their discontent. Heavy security forces including RAF, BSF and Manipur police were deployed in the area to prevent the mob from reaching the Chief Minister’s residence.

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Security forces resorted to using tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the protesters. In response to the security forces’ actions, the protesters reportedly retaliated by using tear gas and opened blank fire, presumably using their licensed guns. The intense standoff between the protesters and security forces resulted in injuries to many individuals. Those injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Meitei Pangal womenfolk of Hatta Golapati, holding torches, attempted to march toward the Chief Minister’s Bungalow around 9:30 PM on Wednesday, seeking justice for the two deceased students.  As the protesters approached the Palace compound, specifically near Poreiromba Khongnangkhong, Imphal, they were intercepted by security forces. In an attempt to control the situation, security forces fired rounds of rubber bullets and tear gas shells, leaving several women injured.  Youth from the area also joined the protest which continued for an extended period, lasting until around midnight.

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While, a large number of irate youths, dissatisfied with the government’s response to the student killings and the overall unrest in Manipur, attempted to storm the BJP Nambol Office yesterday. They initiated their agitation following a Torch Rally organized by Meira Paibi women in the area. At approximately 8:25 pm, many young individuals from Nambol Bazaar and Nambol Chingmang blocked roads in the area, including the Tiddim Road, as part of their protest.  As the mob moved towards the BJP Nambol Mandal office while chanting slogans against Chief Minister Biren, State police and Central Forces intervened, leading to a significant scuffle between the protesters and security forces.

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Security forces used tear gas shells and mock bombs in an attempt to control the situation. The agitators responded by pelting stones and using catapults against the security forces. The commotion continued until around 3AM today. Both police personnel and agitators sustained injuries during the confrontations, and they were subsequently taken to CHC Nambol and Sayon Hospital for medical treatment. Vehicles including a Bullet Proof vehicle were damaged during the violence.