JCILPS Students' Wing storms CM Bungalow, police ransack DESAM office aftermath
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 19 2014: With the November 18 deadline set by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) to the government to either pass an ordinance or bill to monitor the incessant influx of outsiders into the State came to an end without any breakthrough, members of JCILPS Students' Wing stormed the Chief Minister Bungalow demanding enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in the State at the earliest.

Members of the Students' Wing who were large in number gathered at Keishampat and marched towards the CM Bungalow.

Security personnel deployed at Keishampat Junction tried to stop them from inching further but the attempt proved futile.

After the irate protesters reached Nupi Lal Complex, they were halted by heavy security personnel deployed there.

As they were compelled to retreat from the area, the protesters then assembled at Nityapat Chuthek near the Governor House, causing traffic congestion for a while.

JCILPS Students' Wing storms CM Bungalow, police ransack DESAM office aftermath

There, a heated confrontation between them and police erupted.

The situation turned murkier when police started beating up the protesters to disperse them.

In retaliation, the enraged protesters burnt down flags erected at the road medium in connection with the ensuing Sangai Festival.

They also tore down hoardings put up along the road.

After they were made to retreat up to Keishampat, police resorted to firing tear gas shells towards the protesters.

Upon the high-handedness of police, the protesters pelted stones towards them.

On hearing the news that the student protesters had been rushed to the office of DESAM, police quickly arrived at the area and started beating them black and blue.

They also reportedly ransacked chairs and other furniture items of the office.

In the police action, several students sustained injuries and they are undergoing treatment in different hospitals.

Two students suffered grievous injuries on their heads.

Police also took several other protesters into custody.

Addressing a press meet following the development, M Angamba, convener of JCILPS Students' Wing strongly condemned the excesses of police meted out to the student protesters, reiterating that the committee had demanded the all-political party committee on ILP to enact either an ordinance or bill to monitor the unchecked entry of outsiders into the State within October 31 and accordingly implement it within November 18 which the government has failed to do so.

Alleging that the government has been indulging in delaying tactics for the last three-four months to subside the movement of the committee, the convener said that today' attempt of the students to storm the CM Bungalow was fallout of the failure of the government to meet the demand of the committee.

He then demanded the Home Department to constitute an enquiry into the excesses of police meted out to the student protesters and take up appropriate action against them.

Condemning the transfer of Y Victoria as Additional SP (Prosecution), Imphal which came at a time when the committee has been demanding suspension of the lady police office for his alleged mishandling against members of the committee, he pointed out that the police act of entering office of student organization and beating student protesters is highly condemnable.

The government should fulfill the demand of the committee before the commencement of Sangai Festival otherwise untoward incidents may arise during the festival, the convener cautioned.

Meanwhile, Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has vehemently condemned the entry of police at its office and subsequently assaulting several student protesters apart from vandalizing furniture items of the office.

Speaking to media persons, Arambam Thoithoi, vice-president of DESAM said that the students' organization has been working since its inception to bring in quality education in the State, while alleging that police also tore down wall photos of Paona Brajabashi, Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit put up inside the office.

He demanded strict action be taken up against those police personnel involved in the act failing which the students' organization would launch intense agitation.