Curfew still on, no sign of reprieve
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 20 2009: Curfew clamped in Imphal West and Imphal East districts since 5 pm yesterday as a pre-emptive measure against any possible untoward incident in the aftermath of the public outcry against the brutal murder of SDO Kishan and his two staff is still in force but there has been no report of any untoward incident till the time of filing this report.

A large number of security personnel including CRPF, MR, IRB and Manipur Police are being deployed in almost every road and street of the twin capital city.

Caught in the middle of the curfew, bus passengers lug their baggages along the road

Soon after the curfew was clamped at 5 pm yesterday, a number of commando teams have been going around in the two districts driving in any one who dare to venture out of their homes.

Due to the curfew, all important places of Imphal East including Lamlong Keithel Kongba Keithel were totally deserted.

There was no vehicular traffic on all roads and all roadside shops remained shut.

In Imphal West, Khwairamband Keithel and all other market centres bore deserted looks.

Barring for a very sparse vehicular movement for religious purposes and medical reasons, there was no vehicular traffic.

A large number of security personnel were also seen keeping a strict vigil around Khwairamband Keithel.

Few people who ventured out at Keishampat, Tiddim road, Singjamei road, Uripok road and Nagamapal road were driven back by the large number of security personnel present all along these roads.

Literally, no movement of either vehicles or people was allowed during the curfew.

Till late evening, commando teams continued to drive passers-by away from the roads.

At some places, the commandos thrashed youths who came out on roads and forced them to frog-jump.

Even though there is no report of any untoward incident till the time of filing this report, the curfew has literally paralysed the State for the third consecutive day.

Meanwhile, it is reported that 168 oil tankers, 25 LPG bullet trucks and 100 other loaded trucks heading towards Imphal have crossed Mao with security escorts at about 4.30 pm today.

Statement recorded : The Committee set up by the State Government to probe into the abduction and subsequent killing of the SDO of Kasom Khullen Dr Thingnam Kishan and his two staff has recorded the statement of Ukhrul SP A Dorji who has been placed under suspension for dereliction of duty.

It is said that the suspended SP is being hospitalised at Shija Hospital for Piles case since February 9 .

Agriculture Commissioner O Nabakishore and IG Intelligence LM Khoute , who are leading the two-member Committee visited Shija Hospital at around 4 pm today and recorded the statement of the suspended SP for around 2 hours.

Dorji has reportedly stated that he handed over the charge of SP to SDPO Ukhrul Ningshen Vasgum before being hospitalised and underwent operation for a Piles case.

The Committee is likely to visit for spot inquiry within the next couple of days.