Violence hits UNC rally in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Imphal, August 30 2014 : It's 'Black Saturday' in Ukhrul.

Two civilians were shot dead and several others including a woman and security forces were injured as security forces opened fire upon the rallyists during the United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored rally in Ukhrul district headquarters.

A posse of security forces at Awontang Junction reportedly resorted to blank firing at around 1.45 PM and simultaneously turned sporadic towards the road leading to Mini Secretariat.

As the Ukhrul Superintendent of Police passed through the Wino Bazaar, his security escort personnel fired tear gas, mock bomb and gunned down two men at the site of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground.

The dead were identified as Ramkashing Vashi (26), son of V.Christopher, and Mayopam Ramror (30), son of R.Hangyui, both from Teinem (Tuinem) village.

Six persons sustained bullet injuries and two were reported to be in critical condition, while another seriously injured person, Ngachonmi Muinao (30), son of M.David, of Somdal village was rushed to Imphal this afternoon.

Violence hits UNC rally in Ukhrul

The injured persons were taken to the District Hospital (DH) and given necessary treatment.

Two vehicles including that of Kamjong SDO's Bolero Jeep and a Maruti Gypsy of security personnel wee overturned and burnt down by agitated mob near TNL ground, while another police Gypsy's front windshield was also broken as the mob pelted stones.

Security forces resorted to several rounds of gunfire and lobbed tear gas canisters through the thoroughfares of the town till about 5 PM.

Four civilian vehicles parked on the roadsides in Viewland and Phungreitang were also damaged by the marauding jawans of IRB and police commandos.

Hundreds of infuriated residents gathered at various points of the town and put up road blockades.

Security forces tried to clear the way through and even as several tear gas shells were lobbed at TNL office, they could not passed the blockade point there.

Three security personnel including a woman jawan were reportedly assaulted, while two AK rifles were reportedly snatched away by a mob at Awontang and Wino Bazaar.

However, these could not be confirmed officially till the time of filing this report.

Many people who were found walking at Hamleikhong and Phungreitang areas were also allegedly beaten up by IRB and police commandos, while some were dragged inside the Mini Secretariat complex and brutally assaulted before releasing them.

The UNC sponsored rally could not be taken out in Ukhrul district headquarters as security barricades were put up at various points, but rallyists managed to break through at Wino Bazaar and started to converge at TNL ground.

Hundreds of people also managed to reach the site from Viewland, Phungreitang, Hamleikhong and Dungrei junction sides.

UNC general secretary Gaidon Kamei addressed the public at different points where about 10,000 rallyists were gathered, and the Naga bodies were about to start a public address programme when the incident triggered off.

After the incident on Saturday evening, ANSAM president Seth Shatsang stated, "Government of Manipur has fulfilled their desire�lives have been taken� what more do you want?" .

As the evening wore down, the tension subsided with 41 Assam Rifles led by Colonel Gaurav Bose patrolled through the town to take stock of the situation.

However, state security forces were posted at various locations of the town and forced the residents to move indoor.

Leaders of Naga organisations tried to meet and hold talks with Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner at AR Wino post, but failed to take place as misunderstanding cropped up between the two parties.

In spite of repeated appeals from DC and AR officials, they walked off.