Imphal: Police have arrested 21 persons in connection with clashes that erupted between police personnel and protesters in Manipur’s Imphal West district after thousands defied prohibitory orders.
Three personnel of the CRPF sustained grievous injuries during the clashes that broke out on Saturday night, the Manipur Police’s morning bulletin reported on Monday.
Thousands carrying torches (Meira) took part in a protest rally demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the April 7 blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, which claimed the lives of two children.
The report stated that a torch rally was carried out along the Imphal–Jiribam road, organised by various CSOs from Patsoi to Sagolband.
During the rally, the mob turned violent and resorted to stone-pelting, hurled petrol bombs, and used catapults and boulders against police personnel, resulting in multiple injuries.
During the incident, official vehicles of the security forces were vandalised, and three personnel of the 232 Battalion CRPF sustained grievous injuries. Subsequently, the mob was dispersed and the situation was brought under control.
The report further stated that over the past few days, nightly Meira rallies have been taking place in various areas of Imphal. On several of these occasions, many anti-social elements, under the guise of protesters, have engaged in violent activities.
These activities include the use of petrol or kerosene bombs, catapults fitted with iron projectiles, and stone-pelting directed at security forces. It has also been observed that many protesters were under the influence of liquor or other intoxicants, the report stated.
Furthermore, it has been learned that some instigators were supplying petrol or kerosene bombs, catapults, and iron projectiles ahead of these rallies. Despite these provocations, security forces exercised maximum restraint while dispersing the gatherings, with the aim of preventing any collateral damage.
In light of the recent incidents, the concerned agencies are actively carrying out their lawful duties. Police appealed to all law-abiding citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and harmony and to refrain from violence, destruction of public property, and other unlawful activities.
Legal action will be initiated against those involved in violence, as well as against instigators.
Manipur Police arrested 21 individuals in connection with the incident. Those arrested include Ksh. Sanjeev (36) of Sagolband Salam Leikai, Takhelchangbam Bonanza (28) of Tera Loukrakpam Leirak, Rahul Kshetrimayum (27) of Uripok Khwai Brahmapur Leikai, Thongbam Rozer (39) of Sagolband Meino Leirak, and Gurumayum Max Sharma (26) of Brahmapur Laipubam Leikai, Imphal East.
Others named are Lamjingba Ayekpam (29) of Tera Sadokpam Leikai, Mutum Murari (37) of Sagolband Meino Leirak, Moirangthem James (28) of Nongada Makha Leikai, Oinam Micheal (36) of Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai, and Koijam Karnajit Meitei (23) of Langthabal Lep Mayai Leikai.
The remaining arrested persons include Lambamayum Ringo (29) of Langthabal Mantrikhong Mayai Leikai, Yurish Wayenbam (35) of Nagamapal Singjubung, Huirem Somorjit Singh (25) of Naoremthong, Khoisnam Naoba Singh (32) of Nagamapal, and Nikesh Laishram (23) of Kha Sanjenbam.
Also arrested were Chingakham Ranjan (28) of Langol Game Village, Seram Vikash (21) of National Game Village, Kangjam Chingkheinganba (24) of Tera Lukram Leirak, Khuraijam Deepak Singh (34) of Tera Sapam Leirak, Wahengbam Naren Singh (34) of Tera Bazar, and Anaoba Kshetrimayum (18) of Top Khongnangkhong.