Imphal, November 18 2008: In denunciation of the killing of Konsam Rishikanta, Junior Sub Editor of the Imphal Free Press daily, agitated people resorted to blockade of the National Highway No 39 along the Imphal-Moreh route today.

At around 11 am when the road blockade was being enforced at Thongju Nameirakpam Leikai and other nearby sections of the Highway an individual reportedly whipped out a pistol and attempted to barge through the barricades.

The individual, arrested moments later by a police team has been identified as one Laishram Haridas (39) of Liwa Lambi naorem Leikai.

police have recovered a licensed M20 pistol from hari and impounded the Maruti Swift (MN0K/7493) .

With haridas flashing out the small arm and trying to break through the human barricade made of local womenfolk the situation nearly took an ugly turn had the police team not rescued/arrested the individual on time.

Nevertheless, the police fired some shots in the air to quell the mob resulting in the protestors intensifying their agitation by halting traffic on the normally busy route.

There is no report of any injury caused by the police firing.

Arrival of the Information Minister TN Haokip at the trouble spot and personally interacting with members of the bereaved family calmed the situation.

The day also witnessed a JAC delegation calling on the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh with details of the meeting conveyed to the agitated people by Thongju Assembly Constituency's MLA Bijoy Koijam.

According to the MLA, the Government assured to institute an enquiry and arrest the guilty involved in the criminal act at the soonest.

In addition to extending financial assistance to the bereaved family, the CM is informed to have assured a suitable job to next of kin of Rishikanta, according to the MLA who also maintained that he would shoulder the responsibility for translating the assurances into actual action.

On completion of post mortem examination at RIMS morgue this evening, Rishikanta's body was brought to Manipur Press Club where the journalist fraternity and friends of the deceased youth offered floral tribute and observed two minutes' silence for peaceful rest of the departed soul in the heavenly abode.