Imphal protest; tear gas shells, mock bombs break stillness of late evening
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 29 2023: Sounds of firing tear gas shells, smoke bombs and rubber bullets rocked Imphal till late into the evening today as news of two village volunteers killed by Kuki militants at Koutruk area spread like wildfire causing womenfolk to come out on the road.

At least four women received minor injuries as the Rapid Action Force fired tear gas shells.

Womenfolk of Ima Keithel shut shops and gathered at the Keithel to receive the body of one of the village volunteers killed by the Kuki militants today morning at Koutruk area.

At around 5 pm, the remains of the slain volunteer was brought to the Keithel and the people, mainly womenfolk, paid floral tributes and respect to the "martyr" .

A human chain was formed around the body of the "martyr" by the womenfolk.

Imphal protest; tear gas shells, mock bombs break stillness of late evening

As the crowd gained size and momentum, a large force of Rapid Action Force and other security forces converged in the area and numerous rounds of tear gas shells, smoke bombs and rubber bullets were fired to disperse the crowd.

Even as the RAF and security forces used and utilised all kinds of measures, it failed to disperse the womenfolk.

While RAF and security forces fired tear gas shells, smoke bombs and rubber bullets, womenfolk burnt down several police booths and garbage bins.

The confrontation lasted around 2 hours, after which security forces intensified firing tear gas shells, smoke bombs and rubber bullets injuring at least four women.

All of them received minor injuries and were given first aid at nearby hospitals.

All of them have been discharged after treatment, said sources.

Even though the womenfolk were dispersed from the Keithel area, womenfolk in other parts of Imphal came out on the streets and confrontations broke out with the security forces.

Womenfolk took to the streets at Keishampat, Khagempalli, Keishampat, Keishamthong, Nagamapal, Uripok and other places burning tyres and blocking the roads.

A large number of womenfolk also tried to storm the BJP office, but a large convoy of RAF and security forces dispersed them firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets.

RAF and Central security forces were patrolling the streets dispersing crowds at several places in Imphal till the time of filing this report late in the evening.