VDF rally turns violent, many held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 25 2015: Police today fired several rounds of tear gas shells and live bullets in the air as agitating VDF personnel turned violent and tried to manhandle Imphal West Additional SP (Law and Order) S Ibomcha at Khoyathong today.

After holding a meeting at THAU ground under the aegis of All Manipur VDF Welfare Association, over 1000 VDF personnel took out a rally towards the CM's residence at around 3.30 pm.

Their demands included honorarium hike, setting up of a separate VDF battalion and service security.

A heated verbal confrontation broke out between VDF personnel and a police team led by S Ibomcha as the rally was blocked near ABC godown, Khoyathong.

Later, police teams led by the OCs of Imphal and City police stations and Imphal West commando DSP Krishnatombi also arrived at the spot to control the agitating VDF personnel.

Policemen blocking the path of the VDF personnel at Khoyathong

Police later fired some tear gas shells to disperse the agitators as they tried to force their way towards the CM bungalow pelting stones on the police.

In the melee, a group of VDF personnel rushed towards S Ibomcha with one of them trying to manhandle the police officer, who was trying to help an injured VDF personnel.

On seeing the attack on the Additional SP, Imphal West commando DSP Krishnatombi and his team rushed near S Ibomcha firing several rounds of live bullets in the air.

Within a few seconds, S Ibomcha also pulled out his service weapon and fired some rounds in the air to protect himself from the agitating VDF personnel.

After police fired several rounds of tear gas shells and live bullets, VDF personnel started running towards different directions to escape from police.

However, police chased them and managed to arrest four VDF men including the one who tried to manhandle S Ibomcha.

Police further cornered two more protesters near DM College gate.

Later, police took 40 vehicles, mostly two wheelers, some four wheelers and auto rickshaws, which were found parked at THAU ground, to their custody.

They also recovered some bags containing seals and other VDF related documents from these vehicles.

Three more VDF personnel were later arrested when they came to take their vehicles at THAU ground.

All the arrested VDF personnel were taken into the custody of Imphal police station.