Imphal: A Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel of the Manipur Home Department sustained a bullet injury after police opened fire to disperse a large crowd at Wangjing Tentha in Manipur’s Thoubal district on Tuesday.
Officials identified the injured person as Elangbam Nandbir Singh (40), who is serving as a Village Defence Force Special Police Officer (VDF SPO) with Alpha Company. He suffered a bullet injury to his abdomen.
Singh, a resident of Heirok Part 2, Elangbam Leirak under Thoubal district, was rushed to Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal for treatment.
According to reports, the incident took place during Manipur Chief Minister’s visit to the southern district of Thoubal.
During the visit, a large group of people allegedly armed with stones and catapults advanced towards the function venue, reportedly intending to vandalise the newly constructed BDO office at Wangjing Tentha.
Police personnel repeatedly warned the crowd and appealed to them to disperse, but the group allegedly continued to advance aggressively, posing a threat to public property, dignitaries present, and the overall law and order situation.
Officials said police initially used minimum force to control the situation. When the crowd failed to disperse, controlled firing was carried out as a last resort in accordance with established protocols.
During the operation, Singh sustained the bullet injury.
Security forces later brought the situation under control, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of those present.