UCM continues protest against border fencing work 2 including scribe hurt in stand off with cops
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 22 2022:
At least one reporter and a volunteer of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) sustained injuries as the State police fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the people who protested the continuation of fencing works in a disputed area along the Indo-Myanmar border.
The injured have been identified as UCM district affairs secretary Soibam Anil and a reporter of PANDAM (eveninger) Mangshatabam Linda.
The incident took place in front of the temporary market at Lamlong Keithel at around 3 pm while the UCM was carrying out a protest demonstration against the fencing works.
The volunteers of UCM and a team of State police exchanged words as the latter didn't give any permission to hold the protest.
As the agitators didn't withdraw the demonstration, the police fired tear gas shells and mock bombs and in the process, the reporter and the UCM member were injured in their legs.
Reportedly, the two are out of danger.
By the sideline of the demonstration, UCM president Joychandra Konthou- jam asked the State Government to suspend the police personnel who opened fire at the democratic protesters.
Saying that there is a possibility of Manipur losing its land in from Border Pillars 70 to 102, the UCM president urged the State Government to demarcate the contested area based on the terms of 1967 Rangoon Agreement and halt the fencing construction works until the doubt is cleared.
He also decried the State Government for sending the State police to harass the 'peaceful' protesters instead of putting in efforts to save the State's land.
Saying that UCM and the people will never compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur under any circumstances and hold different modes of agitation, he urged the State Government to convene a Cabinet meeting and discuss the issue at the earliest.