Van ploughs through protesters, set on fire
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 10 2016 :
Even as a large number of locals, mostly womenfolk, staged pro-ILPS demonstrations at different localities on NH-2 between Moirangkhom and Lilong despite the heavy rain, protesters set a Maruti van on fire at Thongju Boroi Makhong today, after it ploughed through a group of protesters.
From around noon, people blocked one side of the road to stage protest at Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai, Moirangkhom bazar, Loklaobung, Yumnam Leikai, Singjamei Mathak Thokchom Leikai, Singjamei bazar, Singjamei Makha Mayengbam Leikai, Kakwa Keithel, Pichu Lampak, Canchipur first gate, Can-chipur bazar, Langthabal and other areas.
They also made human chains and raised slogans like 'implement ILPS in Manipur', 'convert the three Bills passed by the State Assembly into Acts at the earliest', 'take up positive steps on the agreements inked between the Government and JCILPS', 'State Government cannot suppress the ongoing ILPS agitation by announcing wanted tag on Kh Ratan and arresting students' and 'we condemn wanted tag on Kh Ratan' .
Both the sides of the road were blocked with electric poles from Kakwa Naorem Leikai to Boroi Makhong.
Things turned ugly after a Maruti van reportedly hit and injured seven persons inluding a minor boy at Thongju Boroi Makhong.
Police sources said that a school van having two student occupants hit a group of protesters as the driver tried to speed up after wading through the electric poles and other objects kept on the road.
A large number of protesters stopped the van and vandalised it before setting the vehicle on fire.
Locals however said that the van did not carry any student.
The injured persons have been identified as Sagolsem Sangita (38) w/o Shantikumar (injured on both legs), Tongbram Rashi (75) w/o (L) Bihari (injured on head), Ningombam Pakpi (60) w/o Ingocha (injured on the face and chest), Thongam Bembem (34) w/o Noren (injured on hip and back), Ningombam Thaballei (50) w/o (L) Ibotombi and Konsam Memchaoubi (65) w/o N Nabakanta.
All of them are residents of Thongju Pheija Leitong.
The injured boy has been identified as Ningombam Lanchenba s/o Kiran.
He suffered injury on the face and chest.
Singjamei police have taken up a case regarding the incident.