Total number of people injured in police action inches towards 4 figure mark
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08:
With no let up in the street protests staged by various voluntary organizations ever since the demand for lifting the Armed Forces Special Powers Act erupted in full scale, police have had to resort to opening real, live bullets injuring at least 5 persons in the process.
On the other hand the number of injured in police action on protestors is inching towards the four figure mark, with 300 and more admitted to RIMS so far and 374 and above at JN Hospital till date.
Police resorted to real live bullets at Wangoi and Lamlai yesterday and at Top Khongnang Khong a few days back.
While three persons were injured in the police firing at Wangoi and one person at Lamlai yesterday, one person was also injured at Top Khongang khong a few days back.
Speaking to The Sangai Express today, Additional DGP (LO) C Peter said that police first have to resort to lathi charge to disperse a mob or a group of protestors.
When this does not work, then they may resort to tear gas firing and rubber bullets.
Firing real, live bullets is the last option, said the senior police officer and added that even then prior permission of the Duty Magistrate is necessary for the police to fire real bullets.
In case of threat to the personal safety of the police personnel on duty, the cops may open fire but it should not be aimed at the protestors.
Even this should be at the order of a senior police officer on duty, he added.
To a question on what ground the police had fired real bullets at the protestors at Lamlai and Wangoi yesterday, the Additional DGP evaded a direct answer but speculated that it could be because the police had run out of tear gas and rubber bullets.
Police may resort to blank firing to scare away the mob, if there is a danger to their personal safety, said the ADGP adding that this should also be done only after the senior most police officer gives the go ahead signal.
So far, other than the five who suffered real live bullet injuries, over 700 people have been admitted to hospitals in police action.
Of these 300 and above were treated at RIMS Hospital while another 374 and above were treated at JN hospital.