Tension prevails after 1 killed; vehicles torched during curfew
Source: Hueiyen News Services

Imphal, May 14 2015 : There were widespread agitations in Patsoi areas as a follow up of the killings of two labourers and brutal torture of a young student by the Kuki Revolutionary Front (KRF) acdres.

Authorities clamped curfew from 11:30 am on Thursday along NH 37 to contain the outbreak of violence in Patsoi and adjacent areas.

However, the government measure came too late in the sense that one truck, one mini truck, one car and one jeep were torched to cinders in these troubled areas.

One person who was beaten up by a mob at Haorung Keirel died on the way to hospital.

Three other persons were also hospitalised and one of them is reported to be battling for his life when reports last came in.

The villagers imposed a 24 hour general strike in the state with effect from Thursday midnight.

A protest demonstration will also be taken out on May 17 .

Representatives of civil society organisations were also present in the public meeting.

The meeting resolved that the government should book the accused within two days and operations should be launched against the KRF cadres after revoking the Suspension of Operation (SoO).

The meeting also said that one family member each of the dead labourers should be given suitable government jobs.

Protesters blocking a road in Imphal

Security measures have been beefed up in all troubled areas.

If the violent incidents spread despite appeals by the civil bodies, indications are that curfew and prohibitory orders may be imposed in many areas.

Cabinet reviews disturbing situation
In an emergency meeting held on Thursday, the cabinet reviewed the alarming situation stemming out of the bludgeoning to death of two innocent labourers by some KRF cadres who are signatories to the SoO.

Police claim to have arrested 8 cadres responsible for the crime.

But the KRF said that those arrested persons should be released since they were not involved in the crime.

The meeting also said that one person who got injured on Thursday during mob violence died in the hospital.

Taking strong umbrage at these violent incidents, the cabinet appealed to the people not to be provoked and maintain peace.

The cabinet was not happy that some places of worship were also torched.

It appealed to the people not to destroy the places of worship of any community.

The two labourers were killed by one armed group and that this heinous crime should not be attributed to a particular community.

It took note of the "prompt" actions in raiding the designation camp and arresting 8 cadres who are now in police custody.

The meeting also decided to appraise the Ministry of Home Affairs of the flagrant violation of the ground rules of SoO by the KRF.

The government shall give Rs 5 lakh each as financial solatiums to the family members of the three dead persons.

Besides Rs 1 lakh and Rs 20,000 would be given to the seriously injured and those who got slight injuries respectively.

It also sought cooperation of the civil society oranisations of all communities to help restore peace and harmony in the state.