Bandh total, 6 hurt in police action
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 22 2012: The indefinite Manipur bandh called by Film Forum Manipur and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council since last midnight to exert pressure on the Government for arresting NSCN (IM) cadre Livingstone, who molested and assaulted film actress Momoco, was total in Imphal valley.

With tensions rising, the District Magistrate has imposed curfew in Imphal West and Imphal east district from 7 pm today till 6 am tomorrow (December 23) .

The bandh was enforced in full swing since early morning today with bandh supporters coming out on the streets to disrupt passage of all kinds of vehicles.

Infuriated bandh supporters also overturned and destroyed a Tata DI of Imphal East Police at Lamlong bazaar.

Even the media persons who were on their duty were asked to show their identity cards.

Only then the were allowed to pass through.

Women vendors of Khwairamband Keithel came out and staged a rally in Imphal market and shouted slogans like "punish the molester", "dissolve the present government" etc.

The bandh protestors burnt tyres and scattered broken glasses all along the roads in Lmphal.

Chandel Molestation Case: An AR convoy passing through a bandh area in Imphal

They resorted to breaking of wind shields and head lights of vehicles plying in defiance of the bandh.

While trying to control the bandh supporters, police used tear gas canister and rubber bullets.

At least six bandh supporters sustained injuries in the police action at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda area and Ghari.

The injured have been identified as Kshetrimayum Bhumeshwar (37), K Romeo (21), Sorokhaibam Jinilejam (14), N Pame (48), Ph Prema (48) and Ch Memthoi (60).Prema is the General Secretary of Ghari Youth Club.

All the injured have been treated at RIMS.

Bandh was also effective in Thoubal and Bishnupur district where roads were blocked and some vehicles suffered damage.

Our Kakching correspondent adds: Irate public came out on the streets and blocked the road at different places of Chandel and Thoubal districts today in support of the indefinite bandh being called.

Windshields of three Maruti Vans were also smashed by strike supporters at Pallel area.

The Maruti Vans were coming from Moreh.

Kakching Bazar Business Welfare Association, Joint Non-Government Voluntary Organisation and Thoubal District United Women's Organisation enforced the bandh effectively in Thoubal district.

Many film actors and singers also came down to Thoubal district to express gratitude to the people for their support to the cause for justice.

On the other hand, members of Tourangbam Leikai Youth Club, Heirok Part III burnt the effigy of Livingstone.

Around 100 stranded goods laden vehicles have been escorted upto Imphal by Police Commandos in the evening today.