Students clash, two-wheelers set ablaze
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 01 2016: At least three two-wheelers were burnt down after a confrontation broke out between two groups in front of DESAM head office today evening at around 5 pm under Imphal Police Station According to information culled from the spot, a group of people mostly students were taking out a victory parade in celebration of the election of an AMSU activist in the Churachand Higher Secondary School Students' Union election.

As they approached DESAM head office, a confrontation broke out between the celebrating students and a group of people who were present at the spot after which three two-wheelers which were used by the celebrating students were set ablaze.

Eyewitness said that soon after the two-wheelers were set ablaze, the angry students pelted stones toward the DESAM office alleging that they were behind the confrontation As their office was attacked, DESAM volunteers came out from their office and pelted stones back to the group of students who were taking out a victory parade.

The confrontation went on for some minutes before police arrived at the scene.

As the attempts of the police team to pacify the situation proved ineffective, the police personnel baton charged both the groups of students and the situation was eventually brought under control.

A team of Manipur Fire Service also arrived at the spot and put out the fire.

DESAM volunteers, when enquired, however, denied their involvement in the confrontation that broke out in front of their office before their office was attacked.

They maintained that they had nothing to do with the torching of three two-wheelers.

Imphal Police have taken up a case and pulled up the three damaged vehicles.

Meanwhile, a large number of police personnel have been deployed at Keishampat junction to prevent any further confrontation.

Meanwhile, AMSU has asked demanded an apology within three days with regard to the incident that took place at Keishampat junction near DESAM office.

Speaking to media persons at their office this evening, AMSU president Sanasam Subashchandra said that DESAM would be taught a befitting lesson if they fail to tender an apology within the stipulated period.

He alleged that DESAM volunteers attacked a group of students who were taking out a victory parade after the election results of CC Hr Sec School Students Union were declared today and they even set ablaze vehicles near their office.

Around 9/10 students were injured in the alleged attack and two of them are currently undergoing treatment in critical condition.

Subashchandra said that the State Government ought to take up befitting action with regard to today's incident.

On the other hand, Zillai Vaiphei Students Association, Imphal branch president H Zuana, speaking on behalf of Thadou Students' Association Imphal Branch, Joint Tribal Students' Union Hr Sec Schools and Tribal Students' Union CC Hr Sec School, has asked those who have assaulted two Vaiphei students during the Keishampat Junction incident to come forward and apologise in accordance to the customary law or else a case would be filed for attempt to murder Speaking to the media persons outside JNIMS casualty ward where the two Vaiphei students are undergoing treatment under serious condition, he said that the unfortunate incident happened today due to laxity on the part the school authority.

If the election was conducted under strict vigilance, the unfortunate incident could have been averted.

He also said that it might be much better not to conduct the school election if the school authorities are not able to conduct the same properly.

He also said the that Vaiphei Students Association, DESAM and other like minded students bodies will launch various forms of intense agitation.

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