Tension grips CCpur, death toll rises to two
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal/Churachandpur, February 16 2024:
Churachandpur town remained tense on Friday, a day after two persons were killed in a clash with security forces when a mob barged into the mini-secretariat to protest the suspension of a constable.
According to police report, in addition to the fatalities, 42 people were also injured during the clash on Thursday night.
Constable Siamlalpaul was suspended after he was seen in a purported video with armed men and women, which had gone viral.
The deceased have been identified as Letlalkhuol Gangte and Thanggunlen Haokip, a police officer said, adding, "Two critically injured persons were admitted to Churachandpur district hospital" .
"There are reports of destruction and burning of properties in and around Churachandpur district mini-secretariat area," he said.
"Several important documents and government records have been destroyed during the violence," the officer said.
The official residence of the deputy commissioner was also torched by the irate mob around 1 am, police added.
A total shutdown called by Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) to protest firing by security forces hit normal life on Friday with streets and markets wearing a deserted look as Assam Rifles personnel conducted flag marches in the town.
As pre-emptive measures, the district authority has imposed curfew and suspended mobile internet data for five days even.
Of the many people injured in the clash with security forces after hundreds of people stormed the offices of DC and SP in Churachandpur town in protest against the suspension of head constable, nearly 42 are still undergoing treatment at the district hospital.
Security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells, rubber bullets and live rounds to disperse hundreds of people who torched residential quarters of DC and SP offices.
The firing left two people dead identified as Letlalkhuol, son of Kamkhomang Gangte of Nalon village and Thanggunlen, son of Seilal Haokip of S Canaan Veng.
Letlalkhuol reportedly died on the spot while Thanggunlen Haokip was declared brought dead by doctors on duty at the district hospital.
Among the injured admitted at the district hospital, conditions of H Lamginmang (37) of Boljol and Henminlun (35) of B Phaicham are said to be serious with both under close monitoring in the ICU ward of the hospital.
After the violent incident which occurred between 10pm Thursday to 12.30am Friday, situation in Churachandpur town was said to be peaceful on Friday though the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has imposed a total shutdown.
Central paramilitary forces and Assam Rifles conducted 'Flag March' on the streets of the town areas particularly along Tiddim road while other forces were put on high alert in their respective locations.
(With inputs from PTI) .