Curfew clamped as Manipur erupts again
The Statesman/ ANN, Imphal
Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, on his return from New Delhi, was greeted today with a series of agitation as students and protestors courted arrest at several places in Imphal East and West which escalated tension in various places leading to pitched battle with the police. Intensified agitation led the state government to reclamp the day curfew from 1.30 pm in Imphal West and 2.15 pm in the Imphal East district. Rapid Action Police Force had to be deployed and Imphal once again looked like a battle field. At several places the police clashed with hundreds on protestors including students. Police fired several s|un bombs, rubber bullets and tear gas shells at Raj Bahvan gate, Kakwa, Airport Road, Tera and Sagolband. The clash left hundreds injured. The police also arrested several women and s|udent protestors. Soon after his arrival Singh summoned a Cabinet meeting at 6 pm to take stock of the situation. Police arrested 14 Opposition MLAs who violated CrPC 144 and staged dharna in front of the Assembly. They were later released in the afternoon. A 65-year-old man identified as Elangbam Surja of Hiyanglam died at Wahengnbam Leikai while trying to board a bus in a hurry. The Opposition also lambasted the Centre for appointing SS Sidhu as the Governor who, it alleged, is neck deep in corruption.
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