Body count rises to 54 on Day 3 of conflict
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 05 2023:
The number of corpses deposited at RIMS, JNIMS and Churachandpur District Hospital amid the tension in Manipur has reached 54 by the time this report was filed late this evening while 109 injured people are undergoing treatments at RIMS and JNIMS .
Out of the 54 bodies, 23 are at RIMS morgue, 16 are at Churachandpur District Hospital while the remaining 15 are at JNIMS morgue.
On the other hand, 68 persons who were injured in the violence are undergoing treatment at JNIMS hospital and some of them are said to be in critical condition.
It is reported that four cadres of a particular armed outfit have also been gunned down by security personnel at Saiton in Bishnupur district.
Shot and injured : A confrontation broke out between a group of people and a combined team of paramilitary force and State commandos at Sangaiprou injuring at least one person while trying to lift rice from the FCS godown for taking it to Churachandpur, today.
Reportedly, the two sides engaged in the confrontation as the protesters restricted the vehicles which came under security coverage from lifting rice from the FCS godown.
It is said that the protesters marched towards the FCS godown by pelting stones at the security personnel while the latter retaliated with rounds of firing, injuring one of the protesters.
The injured has been identified as Oinam Commander alias Rishi (35), s/o Chaoba of Keibul in Bishnupur district currently staying at Sagolband Moirang Hanuba.
He got bullet wounds in the right abdomen and is undergoing treatment at Asian Hospital.
It is said that the security personnel managed to lift the rice after dispersing the protesters.
Arms recovered : Imphal West district commando recovered as many as 7 arms, two magazines and 3 protective vests which were snatched from security by an unruly mob yesterday.
This was stated by M Amit Additional SP Operation Imphal West during a press briefing held this morning at the conference hall of SP Imphal West.
Acting on specific information about the presence of seized arms and ammunition at Chingmeirong, Sanjenbam and Takhel area, a team of Imphal West commandos under his command and under the overall supervision of S Ibomcha SP Imphal West rushed to the said spots, Amit said.
Upon seeing the approaching commando personnel, unknown persons who were allegedly holding the arms and ammunition fled from their respective areas leaving behind the arms, he said.
The items recovered from the spots by the commando team include 6 9 mm Carbines, 1 INSAS rifle along with two magazines and 33 live rounds and 3 protective vests, he said.
He further stated that Manipur Police have started recovering arms and ammunition which were snatched from the security forces and anyone found with such illegal arms and ammunition will be dealt with strongly according to the law.
He also asked all to contact the nearest police station if anybody has any illegal arms and ammunition in their possession.
He further requested all to abide by the law.