Imphal: Tensions flared in Kakwa, Imphal West District of violence-stricken Manipur on Saturday as an irate mob stormed the Singjamei Police Station, protesting the tragic stillbirth of a baby. The baby’s father, Naorem Dipak, brought the stillborn body from RIMS Hospital to their home in Kakwa Naorem Leikai early in the morning, sparking public outrage. The protesters, refusing to take the body, placed it at the entrance of the police station, holding the police accountable for the events leading to the baby’s death.
Locals and family members claimed that the baby’s mother, 34-year-old Laishram Ningol Naorem Ongbi Sanjita, in her third trimester of pregnancy, suffered respiratory complications after tear gas and mob bombs were fired by security forces near her residence on September 10. The tear gas was used to disperse protesters demanding the release of student agitators arrested during the ongoing unrest. Following the incident, Sanjita was hospitalized, and her unborn child’s condition was deemed critical. Despite medical efforts, she tragically delivered a stillborn baby weighing 1.5 kg at 5:00 AM on Saturday.
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As news of the stillbirth spread, angry locals stormed the Singjamei Police Station, demanding justice and accountability. The protesters held the police responsible for the events leading to the stillbirth and refused to let authorities move the baby’s body to the morgue. Security was tightened to prevent further unrest.
A meeting between the Imphal West District Magistrate, the Officer-in-Charge of Singjamei Police Station, and representatives from Kakwa Naorem Leikai resulted in an agreement to deposit the body at RIMS morgue. However, when the police attempted to move the body, the crowd resisted, tearing up the signed agreement in protest. The body was eventually taken inside the police station, with locals standing guard to prevent its transfer.
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Meanwhile, RIMS Hospital issued a press statement clarifying that Sanjita remains in critical condition post-delivery, requiring ventilator support and intensive care. Despite rumors, the hospital confirmed that she is still alive, though her condition remains severe. The hospital continues to provide the best possible care, urging the public not to believe misinformation.
In the wake of the unrest in Kakwa, the curfew relaxation in Imphal East and Imphal West districts was shortened to 2 PM, and total curfew is being enforced. Previously, the curfew was relaxed from 5 AM to 4 PM. In Bishnupur district, the relaxation was reduced to 2:30 PM. Security forces have been deployed at key locations to maintain peace and prevent any potential incidents. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as tensions remain high.
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