Protest staged over liquor tragedy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 04 2017:
A protest demonstration was staged today at Wangoi Bazar over the death of five persons after consuming local liquor at Oinam Sawombung .
The protest demonstration was staged under the JAC constituted in connection with the death of five men against the alleged failure of the Government to take up any concrete action regarding the tragedy .
After staging a sit-in-protest, a large number of womenfolk took out a protest rally toward Leishangkhong Kabui Khul where the liquor which caused death of five men was reportedly brewed .
But they were blocked on the way by a police team in front of Wangoi police station .
Soon, the protest rally was joined by many men resulting in a confrontation between the protesters and police.
Later, police managed to drive away the protesters after firing some rounds of tear gas shells and mock bombs .
However, the protesters gathered and assembled again before the police station .
Immediately, many top ranking officers of Imphal West District Police including Addl SP (Ops) arrived at the scene and talked with the protesters, and the police officers somehow managed to pacify the agitated crowd .
Notably, five people including two brothers died after drinking liquor bought from local vendors .
A woman and his son were pulled by police in connection with the incident .
But many people of Wangoi and Oinam Sawombung have lamented that the State Government has been keeping mum on the issue rather than taking up any concrete action.