CM steps in to defuse tension, four held
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 06 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren stepped in to defuse the tense situation in Khurai Ahongei and Telipati area following a violent incident that erupted in the area in connection with a disputed land, which is classified as Historical Monument and Archaeological site by the government of Manipur.
Police also arrested four individuals in connection with the violent incident that took place on Monday night.
CM Biren and Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar went to the site on Tuesday and assessed the situation there.
The CM instructed the district police to arrest those involved in burning handcarts and stone pelting, as well as those who tried to mislead the situation by posting fake information on social media.
Biren urged the parties in dispute to maintain calm and avoid any altercation which might vitiate the situation.
He also advised the people of the area to keep the idols of Gods at the place where they were earlier.
The CM also stressed the need for resolving the dispute through an amicable means.
CM also called on people of the state to use social media responsibly and not to exaggerate incidents as it can create disturbances.
The chief minister made the spot after two communities engaged in a brief confrontation over a land dispute involving the construction of a temple on Monday night prompting police to resort to firing tear gas shells to control the situation.
"A video of an incident where a tyre was burnt was uploaded as a home being torched", the CM told media persons, adding that the "cybercrime section of police has been alerted and necessary legal action will be taken up".
"We are all Indians and the communities residing here have settled for so long.
We are one", Biren said.
"There is a government and it won't remain mute to unwanted incidents," he affirmed while condemning the unlawful acts.
On Monday night unidentified miscreants forcibly removed the idols in a nearby temple at Telipati locality, police said.
Residents of a particular community from Telipati in large numbers later blocked a street on Monday night by burning tyres prompting another community to retaliate.
At least four vehicles were reportedly vandalised and one burnt down in clashes that erupted at Telipati in Imphal East district.
Following the clash, a police team was immediately dispatched to the incident site to control the situation.
The police had to resort to firing of tear gas shells upon the crowd to control the control the situation.
Although tensions under control, sensation prevails in the area.
Notably, two communities have been at loggerheads over a land dispute involving the construction of a temple at Telipati.
Meanwhile, police source said that a case has been registered at Porompat PS and arrested four individuals involved in pelting stones in residential areas.
They were produced before a court and remanded in police custody for three days.
Further investigation is going on to arrest others involved in the incident and spreading fake news on social media.
As the situation got tense on Monday night and protestors started pelting stones towards the police, they fired tear gas shells to disperse the angry protestors till late night.
Additional police force and CRPF personnel are being deployed in Khurai Ahongei and Telipati areas to prevent unwanted incidents.
As pre-emptive measures, additional district magistrate (ADM), Imphal East Shamim Ahmad Shah has notified enforcement of Section 144 of CrPC in Telipati area for a period of one month with effect from 10 pm Monday.
In an order issued Monday, the ADM prohibited assembly of fave or more people which is likely to turn unlawful; carrying of firearms, sticks, stones, weapons or objects of any description which can be used as offensive weapons in areas leading to Telipati village in north direction, Kalimai Mandir in south, premises of Kalimai Mandir community hall in east and Imphal-Ukhrul road in west.
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