Two suffer pellet injuries in Kakwa protest
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 10 2024: Pressing their various demands, students of Manipur University (MU) under the aegis of COCOMI students' front held a massive rally on Tuesday.

As the students' rally was joined by youth coming from different sides, clashes broke out between them (protestors) and security forces resulting in at least two youths suffering pellet injuries due to action from security forces.

A driver of an ambulance was also manhandled by RAF personnel amidst the clashes.

At about 11am, large number of students of MU came out and congregated in front of the varsity's gate at Canchipur.

They started protest by burning the effigies of Prime Minister Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and security advisor Kuldiep Singh.

Holding placards and banners some of which read like 'Stop India's proxy war against Meetei', 'Stop India's policy to annihilate Meetei', 'Go back central security forces', 'Stop divide & rule policy' and 'We'll defend own land', students marched towards Kakwa from the main gate of MU.

As the students reached Kakwa bazar, they were stopped by large number security forces.

However, students tried to move towards Raj Bhavan by overcoming security barricade, confrontation ensued between two sides.

As the tussle persisted, some youths from nearby areas joined the protesting students and tried to move towards Raj Bhavan together.

However, police and RAF personnel deployed in the area fired tear gas shells to disperse the protestors thereby leading an intense clash.

As the clash continued, CRPF personnel deployed nearby joined the efforts to disperse the protestors and even fired live rounds.

Security forces were unable to control the situation till late evening.

In the efforts by security forces to control the situation, pellet guns were used injured at least two youths.

One of injured identified as Michael Kom (24), a cook of a fast food opened at Canchipur, suffered pellet wounds on his face, neck, chest and left arm.

He was rushed to Kripadarshini Advanced Hospital but discharged after first-aid.

Amidst the clashes, driver of an ambulance coming from Jivan hospital, Kakching for discharging a patient was beaten up by RAF personnel at about 3.30 pm.

However, as media persons rushed to the spot the driver was let-off.

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