One killed, 23 others injured in Thoubal violence
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, July 04 2023: One youth was killed while 23 others including a Jawan of Assam Rifles sustained injuries in police firing at Khangabok in Thoubal district today at around 11.30 am.

The deceased has been identified as Abujam Ronaldo Singh (25), s/o A Ibungo Singh of Heirok Part III Kabo Leikai.

It is said that Ronaldo was shot by the security forces and he died along the way to Imphal.

Reportedly, a large number of people coming from two sides stormed the 3rd IRB Camp at Khangabok today seeking protection as they still don't feel safe due to the hostility of Kuki militants in different parts of the State but it instead compelled the IRB personnel and State police and BSF deployed in the area to fire tear gas shells and rounds of bullets.

One killed, 23 others injured in Thoubal violence

In the firing, Ronaldo was hit and died while 23 others sustained injuries of varied degrees.

Initially, all the injured were taken to Thoubal district hospital but six of them were later referred to Imphal.

Infuriated by the conduct of the security force, the mob became violent, closed National Highway 102 and other roads in the district before burning one vehicle of Assam Rifles at Khangabok Keithel and one house at Khongjom Samaram which allegedly belonged to one of the security personnel who opened fire towards the mob.

It is reported that the security forces resorted to firing as some among the mob became violent while holding talks.

Additional teams of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) also arrived at the site and assisted the already deployed security forces in controlling the mob.

Speaking to the media, one of the protesters said that they went to the IRB post to voice their concern as Kuki militants could attack them any moment.

Saying that it was the security forces who attacked them first, he asked whether the Chief Minister had given an instruction to kill them all.

Continuing that today's incident might not have taken place had the Government deployed the large number of security forces who fired towards them at sensitive places instead, he cautioned that people might get fed up and collectively go on the rampage too if the CM still couldn't protect lives and properties.

Due to the violence, curfew relaxation period was curtailed at 2.30 pm.

Earlier, the Government had announced that curfew will be relaxed from 5 am to 8 pm today.

Meanwhile, a Committee christened as JAC against the brutal killing of Abujam Ronaldo has been formed.

The JAC urged the Government to terminate the IRB personnel who killed Ronaldo within 24 hours and to abrogate the SoO pact with the Kuki militants within three days among others.