Imphal : Tensions flared in Manipur as a series of protests unfolded, with hundreds of women thronging police stations to demand the unconditional release of five individuals arrested last week. The armed miscreants face charges of extortion, misuse of police uniform, and impersonation, according to the police, while the women’s collective Meira Paibi asserts that they are village volunteers.
Authorities responded by reimposing curfew in the twin districts of Imphal starting at 5 pm on Thursday. The curfew was reinstated after protesters attempted to storm police stations and court arrest in support of the arrested youths.
During these protests, more than 10 people sustained injuries when Manipur security forces and RAF personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd attempting to storm police stations.
Protesters, holding placards and shouting slogans, made attempts to enter various police stations, including the Porompat police station in Imphal East and Singjamei police station, and Kwakeithel police outpost in Imphal West district. Similar efforts were reported at the Mayang Imphal police station in Imphal West district and the Andro police station in Imphal East district.
The ongoing protests in the Imphal valley have been called for by six local clubs and Meira Paibis, all demanding the release of the five village volunteers.
One protester at Porompat expressed their frustration, stating, “We were left with no option but to court arrest as the government failed to release the five village volunteers. If such village volunteers are arrested, who will protect the Meitei villages in the periphery of the hills and the valley from Kuki Zo militants?”
All Langthabal Kendra United Clubs Coordinating Committee president Yumnam Hitler explained, “The decision to launch the ‘voluntary mass arrest’ agitation was taken after the government took no steps to release the five arrested youths.”
An official order issued by the district magistrate of Imphal West announced the withdrawal of curfew hours, which had been relaxed from 5 am to 9 pm on September 21. Restrictions on the movement of the general public outside their residences were enforced in all areas of Imphal West district. Similar orders were imposed in Imphal East district, according to officials.
On September 16, Manipur police had arrested five individuals for carrying sophisticated weapons and wearing camouflage uniforms. The police clarified that all five men had been presented before a judicial magistrate and remanded to police custody.
