Election continues to extract its pound of flesh, Wangjing-Tentha AC simmers
Woman killed in firing, Thoubal bandh called
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 29, 2012: Following the death of a woman and injuries caused to two others allegedly due to indiscriminate firing by security forces, CPI Thoubal District Council has called a 12 hours bandh in Thoubal district from 5 am to 5 pm of January 30. Commandos allegedly opened fire indiscriminately near the residential gate of ex-Pradhan Maibam Yaima at Tentha Khongbal at about 10 pm yesterday injuring one Moirangthem (O) Ragini (46) w/o M Inaobi.

Even as Ragini was rushed to Thoubal district hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.

Moirangthem (O) Medhabati (32) w/o M Devdas of Tentha Heibung and Naorem Sorodoni w/o N Sanatomba of Tentha also sustained injuries.

While Medhabati was hit by three bullets on the thigh, a bullet grazed the shoulder of Sorodoni.

In connection with the killing of a woman and injuring two others, a Joint Action Committee was constituted after which a protest demonstration was staged at Tentha Khongbal today.

Speaking to media persons at Irabot Bhavan today, Dr Moirangthem Nara who contested the Assembly elections in Wangjing Tentha AC condemned the incident in the strongest term.

He demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident as well as imposition of curfew at night in Thoubal district until the situation improves.

Sit-in-protest against the death of a woman in an alleged commando firing in Wangjing Tentha

He also declared that CPI Thoubal District Council would impose a bandh in Thoubal district from 5 am to 5 pm of January 30 in protest against the killing of one woman and injuring two others due to indiscriminate firing by commandos.

Meanwhile, the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Moirangthem (O) Ragini Devi by Security Personnel has adopted a number of resolutions, the foremost being the demand for a judicial inquiry into the incident and punishment of guilty security personnel in exemplary manner.

Ex-gratia of Rs five lakhs to the family of late Ragini and compensation of Rs one lakh to injured Moirangthem (O) Medhabati and provision of a suitable Government job to a son or daughter of Ragini were other resolutions/demands of the JAC.

It further resolved not the claim the corpse of Ragini but launch intense agitation in case the demands are not fulfilled by 2 pm of January 31. It is reported that after the polling was over yesterday, some workers of MSCP candidate Paonam Brojen set afire houses of three CPI supporters, namely Maibam Birchandra (65) of Wangjing Hodamba, Ningthoujam Ngobi (45) and Yumnam Samson alias Basan of Wangjing Sorokhaibam Leikai.

The commotion and din was further compounded when the grocery of Ningthoujam Ngobi was found ransacked and goods worth Rs one lakh looted besides some gold jewellery.

In retaliation, a large of number of Tentha villagers moved to the parental house of Paonam Brojen's wife at Tentha Khunou and asked the family to control the violent incidents unfolding at Wangjing.

The Tentha villagers also threatened to set ablaze the house of Paonam Brojen's wife's parental family in case the mob was not brought under control.

As the two sides, somehow, struck an agreement, the villagers of Tentha went back.

Another source however said that the house of Brojen's wife was torched.

After this, a group of womenfolk were gathered at Tentha Khongbal, about one kilometre away from Tentha Khunou when security personnel suddenly opened around 50 rounds of shots in which Ragini was killed besides injuring Medhabati and Sorodoni.

Dr Nara alleged that supporters of Paonam Brojen have been indulging in excessive violent activities since one month ahead of the Assembly elections.

Many CPI workers have been beaten blue and black while many others have been threatened with death.

Even as information was given to police in time, police never bothered to take up any pre-emptive actions or control the situation, Dr Nara alleged.

Yesterday too, police did nothing to control the tense situation unfolding at Wangjing Hodamba even though they were informed about the situation in time.

On other hand, no telephone contacts could be made with the police observer or the general observer.

Literally, no security arrangements were put in place at Wangjing.

However, security personnel made a battle-field at Tentha Khongbal by firing several rounds of shots indiscriminately causing fatal and extensive casualties to women and children, Dr Nara alleged.