Cops crackdown on bandh supporters
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 08: Stray violent incident of burning effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and confrontation between the strike supporters and the police forcing the latter to fire tear gas canisters were witnessed on the second day of the State-wide 48-hour general strike being called by the JAC Against the Extra Judicial Killing of Langpoklakpam Bimolchandra alias Angouba of Haobam Marak Ngangom Leikai to register protest.

Atleast three strike supporters were reportedly injured in the police action.

A woman writhes in pain after the lathi charge by the police to disperse bandh supporters in Imphal

Police claimed that Bimolchandra was during an encounter with a combined force of Imphal West Police Commandos and personnel of 12 Maratha Light Infantry at Changangei Ucheckon near Imphal Airport on July 4 .

Contradicting the police claim, the JAC, however, maintained that Bimolchandra had been picked up by the Police Commandos from near his house on the same day.

As a result of the strike, normal life in Manipur remained affected partially for the second consecutive day with all the business establishments and market places including Khwairamband Bazar shutting down shutters and inter-district transports staying off the road.

A large number of womenfolk who were coming out in support of the general strike demanding punishment of the killers of Bimolchandra were dispersed by the police along with firing of tear gas canisters at Kwakeithel Moirangpurel area today.

In the police action, three women identified as Takhellambam Ongbi Memtombi (50) of Haobam Marak Ngangom Leikai, Leimapokpam Nganbi Devi (45) of Haobam Marak Irom leikai and Kshetrimayum Kamala Devi sustained injuries.

They have been admitted to RIMS Hospital.

Memtombi sustained injuries on her right thigh, Kamala on her right chest and elbow and Nganbi on her right side buttock.

At around 5 pm, JAC members burnt the effigies of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at Haobam Marak Ngangom Leikai amidst shouting of slogans like 'Punish the killer commandos', 'Stop State sponsored terrorism', etc.

Meanwhile, coming out strongly against the police action on the women protestors, Working Committee of the Apunba Lup has announced that it would extend support to the cause of the JAC.