Local clash with followers of 'Panthou' ; Six hurt, more than 50 vehicles damaged
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2016: Indefinite curfew has been clamped in Wangkhei area of Imphal East district after a clash between local residents and followers of a self-styled godman Hijam Ratan alias Panthou today morning left at least six persons, including three policemen, injured and more than 50 vehi-cles substantially damaged.

According to information culled from the spot, parents of the children who were staying with 'godman' Panthou in the 'Ashram' went to the complex today to take out their children as per an earlier agreement with the locals.

It may be mentioned that locals had banned entry into the Panthou complex following a land dispute last month.

While the locals were helping the parents in the verification process today, a follower of 'godman' Panthou reportedly started using abusive words against the locals which provoked them to rise in rage.

Destruction at Panthou's complex

Irate locals then stormed the complex and dismantled properties located inside the complex and burned down several four- wheelers parked inside the complex.

The angry locals dismantled the kitchen of the workers, worship place, shops located inside the complex and more than 30 two-wheeler vehicles and 14 four-wheelers including a luxury car parked inside the complex were set on fire.

Locals also tore down the hoarding put up inside the complex of the 'god man' during the melee and also burned down the generator which was kept inside the complex.

Arrival of police personnel of Imphal East district police led by Additional SP (Law and Order) and Additional SP (Operation) prevented further major damages to the 'temple' .

During the pandemonium six persons including three police personnel received minor injuries.

Soon after the incident a team of State Fire service arrived at the spot and put off the flames.

The situation was brought under control after the arrival of additional number of Imphal East police personnel.

However, the locals again rose after a policeman reportedly used 'provocative words' against them.

A heated argument took place between the police and angry locals in front of the entrance gate of Hijam Ratan @ Panthou complex.

Later at around 11 am, the locals demanded that the womenfolk be allowed to enter the complex and tried to forcefully storm the complex by overpowering the police personnel present in the area.

During the tussle between the police and angry locals, some youth pelted stones toward the police personnel from behind and forcibly proceeded further inside the complex after which police fired several rounds of tear gas shells in the air to disperse the angry locals.

Police further fired several rounds of tear gas shells toward the angry locals soon after and forced the angry protesters to retreat from the place.

They were herded till Kongba Wangkhei road and Ayangpalli road and situation brought under control yet again.

Soon after Porompat SDO arrived at the spot to take stock of the situation and assess the damages.

Police also prevented vehicles coming from various directions toward the spot and diverted them to alternative routes.

Imphal East SP Angam Kamei Romanus also arrived at the spot to take stock of the situation.

At the same time, District Magistrate of Imphal East district clamped indefinite curfew in the area.

As per an order issued under Section 144 CrPC, 1973 issued by M Joy Singh, DM, Imphal East, movement of any persons outside their respective residence and carrying of sticks, stones, firearms and any other deadly weapons/objects have been prohibited in Wangkhei area with immediate effect.

The scheduled area cover Wangkhei Wangkheimayum Leikai to the North, Wangkhei Pukhrambam Leirak to the South, Wangkhei Ayangpalli road to the East and Wangkhei Imphal-Yairipok road to the West.