Elderly woman hurt in 'police action'
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, February 22 2025: A 60-year-old woman was injured in a clash between security forces and protesters at Thamnapokpi, under Moirang police station today.

The protest was sparked by the arrest of one Moirangthem Thoiba, alias Olen (32) who is claimed to be a village volunteer.

The police, however, contended that Thoiba is an active cadre of KCP (City Meitei) and a deserter of another outfit PLA.

It is reported that the security forces hit the woman with the butt of a gun during the incident which occurred at around 10 am.

The injured woman has been identified as Nongmaithem Sanatombi.

Taking strong exception to the use of brute force, the locals intensified the protest and blocked Tiddim Road.

Elderly woman hurt in 'police action'

According to a report culled from the spot, a team of Bishnupur commandos arrived at Thamnapokpi Mamang Leikai in three vehicles (Maruti Gypsy) and arrested Moirangthem Thoiba, alias Olen (36), a married man with four children.

The arrest sparked immediate protests from the local women, who claimed that Thoiba is a village volunteer and he should not have been arrested.

Following a heated altercation, one of the commando personnel reportedly hit Sanatombi (60) with the butt of a gun.

Speaking to the media, Moirangthem Ongbi Anju, wife of the arrested individual, said that her husband and many other men from Thamnapoki used to guard their village to prevent potential attack by miscreants given the crisis in Manipur.

Saying that her husband was picked up by the commandos for questioning, she asked what wrong her husband had done.

The police, meanwhile, issued a statement explaining that Thoiba's arrest was in connection with a social media post, which allegedly challenged the police not to arrest village volunteers.

What police claim

A viral video uploaded on social media yesterday threatened Manipur State forces, specifically commando personnel.

The post issued a warning to police and CDO personnel, questioning whether they would be able to return home safely while off-duty if they continued to arrest Meetei/Meitei village volunteers.

Hence, a regular case was registered for investigation.

In follow up action, Bishnupur police identified the person as one Moirangthem Thoiba alias Olen Singh (36 yrs), s/o M Merajoa Singh of Thamnapokpi Mamang Leikai Ward no 4.He was arrested from Thamnapokpi today at around 10 am.

On preliminary investigation, Thoiba revealed that he is a cadre of KCP (City Meitei) and a deserter of another banned outfit PLA.

He confessed that he had taken the video at Thamnapokpi area and uploaded it on social media with one Saikhom Lembus, s/o S Sobha Singh of Chingkhu, Sagolmang, Imphal East (who has also been arrested by Imphal East District Police) .

The arrested person has been handed over to Bishnupur Police Station.