Irate locals block road, police resort to tear gas shell
Source: The Sangai Express

Kakching, February 25 2018: Following the constant demand of the Kakching District Headquarters Demand Committee Waikhong-Khongjao to provide an appropriate location for Kakching DHQs, a large number of people gathered and blocked the road at Wabagai Lamkhai Keithel, endorsing the stand of the committee, to deny passage through Kakching AC from the three remaining ACs of the district namely Sugnu, Hiyanglam and Wabagai.

The locals began their protest from 5 in the morning and vehicles were forced to return, reports our correspondent.

The road block was later withdrawn after some agitators were allowed to meet Kakching DC at around 10 am where a solution was brought between the two parties.

One of the protesters who took part in the meeting told the media persons that the Deputy Commissioner advised the local representatives to submit a memorandum and take up peaceful protest like sit-in as the road block hinders the lives of many people.

After a fruitful meeting, the protesters opened the road and staged a peaceful sit in near Wabagai Lamkhai Keithel.

However the locals abruptly came out in the road and blocked the road again which led to a scuffle between the people and a team of police personnel who tried to handle the situation.

And when the locals continued to block the road despite police warning, the police personnel used tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the agitators.

The locals retaliated by pelting stones at the police.

After the agitators dispersed, the road was opened once again.

Meanwhile, condemning the use of tear gas shells and mock bombs, a press meet was held at Lamjao Awang Leikai near Social Development Club later in the evening.

Speaking to a team of media persons, Kakching District Headquarters Demand Committee Waikhong Thongjao convenor Mayanglambam Sureshkumar alleged that the police first started using tear gas shell and mock bombs while some people were drafting the memorandum as advised by the DC.

He further alleged that the action of the police left 18 people injured while two individuals were also pulled up by the security forces.

The lack of positive effort from the State Government in bringing an amicable solution to the issue has led to the present situation and the DC along with the State Government should bear all the responsibilities, he cautioned.

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