Manipur Violence: Another case of violence has come to light in Manipur. Security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters who were trying to break barricades at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district on Wednesday (September 6).
Officials told that more than 40 people were injured during this period. Most of the injured were women. The injured have been taken to Bishnupur District Hospital and Moirang Public Health Center for treatment.
How did the controversy start?
Officials said that at around 11.40 am, protesters on their way to Phougacchao Ikhai were stopped by state police forces, who had set up barricades at Kwakta, about 2 kilometers away. He said that although the police fired a few tear gas shells, the protesters broke the barricade and moved towards the Phougacchao unit. He told that no one was injured in the ruckus.
‘Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity’ People had gathered in Bishnupur district in response to the army’s call to break barricades at Phougakchao unit of CoCOMI (COCOMI) and demanded that they be pushed towards Churachandpur.
Hundreds of Meitei could not go to their homes due to barricades
Lourembam Nganbi, president of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL), told reporters, ‘‘Hundreds of Meiteis who left their homes in Torbung after the violence broke out on May 3 could not go to their homes because of barricades. We are only demanding that they be shifted so that people can go to their homes.’’
COCOMI called upon the people to storm the barricade as the government did not heed their request to remove the barricade till 30 August. Anticipating a law and order breach, the state government on Tuesday imposed complete curfew in five districts of the Valley till further orders.