Police-public confrontations turn violent in two separate incidents
Land acquisition bid resisted at Mantripukhri, police jeep burnt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 22 2013: Government officials led by Imphal East DC and escorted by security personnel who went to Mantripukhri for land measurement faced violent resistance from the local people and a police Gypsy was burnt by an agitated mob.

The officials went to measure some areas of Mantripukhri for acquisition by the Government in order to set up an office of the Reserve Bank of India there.

The officials were confronted by the local people who strongly resisted any attempt to measure the land for acquisition.

This resulted in a stand off between security forces and the people.

As the situation grew tense, the Imphal East DC went to the Mantripukhri CRPF camp.

The local people argued that no prior information was given nor any of their opinions was sought before coming for land measurement.

Soon a battle of stones, sticks, tear gas shells and mock bombs broke out.

The mob succeeded in driving back the security personnel till Mantripukhri Lamlongei.

They also set ablaze a police Gypsy.

A police Gypsy burnt at Mantripukhri and police controlling the uproar at Hatta

Compelled by the situation, security reinforcement was called in and soon after a number of tear gas shells were fired.

Security forces finally succeeded in controlling the situation at around 11.30 am along with pulling up around 70 protesters.

Meanwhile, the All Mantripukhri Protection and Resident Welfare Association has conveyed its displeasure at the violent confrontation between civilians and police because of the Government's failure to give prior information.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club this evening, chairman of the association Aslam Khan claimed that different communities such as Meiteis, tribals, Muslims, Nepalese, Biharis etc have been settling together at Mantripukhri before India achieved independence.

To drive them away from Mantripukhri where they were born and grew up is unacceptable.

The Government may search an alternative site and hand over the same to RBI.

Muslim colony and Thakur Balidani where land measurement was made today are residential areas.

There are around 500 households in the two localities.

In addition, there are temples and mosques, Aslam pointed out.