Police conduct draws flak, protested
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 22 2012: The reported release of two individuals who were arrested by police for indiscriminately firing in civilian areas in the night of July 19 without initiating any legal action has evoked strong condemnation from the public.

Decrying such biased and unethical conduct of police, a protest demonstration was staged today at Kyamgei Heibong Makhong community hall under the aegis of Kyamgei Youth Pioneer Club and Kyamgei Chaokhat Thourang Nupi Lup.

The protesters put up placards which read as "We want peace", "We condemn shooting in civilian areas" etc.

Talking to media persons at the protest site, president of the local club Longjam Suranjoy said that the local people were building a diversion road after an RCC bridge built over Leishang Hiden at Kyamgei Pal Ahanbi collapsed when Khuraijam Johnson (23) s/o late Mohon of Kyamgei Awang Leikai and his wife came there on a Honda Pleasure at about 5.30 pm of July 19 .

Protest underway against the firing in civilian area

The working people asked Johnson to stop for a few minutes but it turned into a stand-off.

A few minutes later Johnson together with his cousin Khuraijam John s/o Ibohal of Kyamgei Maning Leikai and Khuraijam Rajeshkumar (19) s/o Ibotombi started assaulting the local club volunteers.

Notably, Johnson and John are both 5th MR jawans attached to Imphal East commandos.

Later that night, a public meeting was held and it was decided that the trio should tender an apology to the people.

According to the decision, they were forced to tender apologies before the people.

But at about 10 the same night, several rounds of shots were fired from the direction of Khuraijam Johnson's residence.

The firing was immediately informed to Irilbung police station and Johnson and John were pulled up, Suranjoy narrated.

After this, the local club filed a complaint at Irilbung PS together with a detail report about the preceding incidents.

Rather than paying any attention to the complaint, Irilbung Police set free both Johnson and John without initiating any legal action befitting their misconduct and unlawful activities.

If police do not take up necessary action against Johnson and John without any delay, complaints would be lodged with the Chief Minister, the Home Minister and the DGP, Suranjoy said.