'Thieves' thrashed, tension simmers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 08 2015 : A tense situation has engulfed Irong Khunou after three youngsters were thrashed severely at Leishangthem Keithel, Thou-bal district by a group of people on the charge of attempting thievery.

Denouncing the physical assault on the three youngsters, Thoubal-Mayang Imphal road has been closed.

Sharuk Khan (19) s/o Sikander Ali, Md Abdul Kalam (20) s/o late Md Naji-muddin both belonging to Irong Khunou, Md Zakir (21) s/o Abdul Basir of Irong Thokchom and Sabir Ahmad (20) s/o Md Khalique were returning home from Thoubal when they were assaulted by a group of people at around 7.30 pm yesterday.

Sharuk Khan who was saved from the thrashing by some people of Leishangthem told media persons this afternoon at Irong Ichil that four of them were returning home from Thoubal on two two-wheelers (Bajaj Pulsar and Bajaj Platina).

They stopped at Leishangthem Keithel to buy pan,.

Soon, some people were heard shouting "Block the thieves' way", "Stop them" etc.

"As I turned around to see what was happening, I saw my three friends being beaten by a group of people.

I was saved from the assailants as the shopkeeper intervened in favour of me and clarified that I was no thief", Sharuk said.

The assailants also set ablaze the two motor-cycles.

Sharuk's friends were rescued after arrival of police reinforcement from Thoubal and a police team escorted them up to Thoudam.

Meanwhile, a JAC has been constituted against the physical assault on the three youngsters.

The JAC blocked Thoubal-Mayang Imphal road at Irong Ichil since this morning and bandh supporters set ablaze one NV scooter.

JAC convenor Md Janab Ali asked whether the three youngsters were caught red handed stealing something.

It would be a gross mistake to see all Manipuri Muslims as thieves.

All those involved in thrashing the three youngsters should be punished according to law.

Md Janab said that police personnel posted at Leishangthem Police Outpost tried to intervene when the youngsters were thrashed but the large crowd drove them back.

It was only after arrival of police reinforcement that the three youngsters could be rescued.

Until and unless the assailants are not booked, the JAC would carry on different forms of agitation, he added.

All Manipur Muslim Organisations Coordinating Committee organisation secretary Md Abdul Qayum appealed to the Government to resolve the matter and bring peace between the two sides.

Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir and MLA Fajur Rahim visited the protesters at Irong Ichil today but the protesters stood firmly by their demands.

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