Clashes again broke out between protesters and police personnel in Manipur’s Churachandpur town on Friday night. Security forces used lathis, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
According to news agency PTI, hours after the bandh called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) at 4 pm, rumors are rife that several people were killed and injured in police action in the city. However, there was no official confirmation of this.
Normal life was thrown out of gear in the tribal-dominated southern Manipur district due to an eight-hour bandh called to protest against the eviction of Kuki villagers from forests.
Earlier in the day, clashes broke out between protesters and police at Sadbhavna Mandap in New Lamka in Churachandpur district, where Chief Minister N Biren Singh was scheduled to address a public meeting. However, the chief minister called off the visit following protests and bandh calls.
Police sources said stone pelting by protesters, firing of tear gas shells and rubber bullets by security personnel were reported from areas like New Lamka, Tuibong Bazar, Sialmat Bridge, Lanwa Bridge and T Champhai.
Officials said police had to use tear gas to disperse a crowd that had gathered in New Lamka and pelted stones at security forces deployed in the locked-down town.
According to officials, ‘no one was injured despite the stone pelting. Deployment of security forces will continue to monitor the situation.
In fact, the Chief Minister was scheduled to address a public meeting at Sadbhavna Mandap and inaugurate an open gym at PT Sports Complex in New Lamka town. However, on Thursday, a protesting mob attacked the venue and set fire to around 100 chairs and other equipment.
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