7 blockade supporters hurt in police action
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 21 2012:
In what could be described as unexpected intervention, police today lobbed tear-gas shells to disperse supporters of Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) at Gwaltabi along Imphal-Ukhrul road at around 3 pm today that resulted in hurting seven women protestors.
Around 150 bandh supporters were gathered to enforce the blockade when a team of police suddenly charged and lobbed tear gas shells at them.
In the ensuing melee, 7 women bandh supporters sustained injuries.
Three of them who have been referred to Christian Hospital at Deulahlane in Imphal are identified as Namkhovah (48) w/o Khuplal, Lhaiboi (35) w/o of Thonglang and Neihoikim (20) d/o Jamjam.
Other four who are referred to local healers are Kimthing (85) w/o Yangsai, Lhingcha (29) d/o Jamlang, Lhingneilam (30) w/o Hemjeng and Chongboi (38) w/o Ngamlat, all residents of Malom village.
According to eye witnesses, police and bandh supporters were standing there side by side when without any provocation police resorted to lobbing tear gas.
"We are also human being.
Why should they act like a brute", fumed Chongboi of Bungpi Area Kuki Women Union, while referring to the police action.
Meanwhile, KSDC information secretary George Guite has condemned in the strongest term the act of the police personnel.