Pitched battles with cops continue, many hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 10 2015 : Even as Imphal West District Magistrate has announced that the indefinite curfew clamped in the district will be relaxed from 5 am to 10 am tomorrow (July 11), people continued to block roads and stage protests demanding implementation of ILPS at different parts of the State today as well.

At Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai, a large number of ILPS supporters, JAC members and Sapam Robinhood's family members staged protests.

They came up to Lamlong bridge and threw three police barricades into Imphal river.

Police later forced the protesters back towards Lairikyengbam Leikai by firing several rounds of teargas shells.

However, within a few minutes, a large number of protesters emerged on Dingku road, where a man pulled down his pant in full public view to lodge 'his' protest.

Firing of teargas shells by police and pelting of stones by protesters continued for several hours at Lairikyengbam Leikai area during which two persons were hospitalised after they received injury in the stand off.

Protesters at Thangmeiband

At around 4 pm again, some protesters were hurt when police dispersed them.

During a brief interaction with a group of reporters at his residence, Robinhood's father Sapam Romesh questioned whether the police have an intention to kill his whole family.

Police can come and kill them if they wish, Romesh said.

Thangmeiband area also witnessed a huge public protest at around noon.

Locals not only tried to march towards Assembly complex but also burnt tyres on the road near DM College western gate.

Even as the police tried to disperse them by firing teargas shells, the protesters retaliated the police from different lanes by pelting stones and shooting slingshots.

Although police chased them at these lanes, no protester could be detained.

After some time, the protesters emerged at Thangmeiband Polem Leikai area.

On seeing them, a police team led by Imphal West Additional SP (Law and Order) S Ibomcha rushed to area and prevented them to move towards the main road.

However, within a few minutes the protesters rained stones to the police team who also fired teargas shells and rubber bullets to them.

Police also fired some live rounds in the air to push the protesters back.

The confrontation continued for some hours during which some protesters showed their naked buttocks in an attempt shoo off the police.

Later, police and women activists agreed to end confrontation.

However, some protesters shouted slogans like 'We demand want ILPS', 'Long Live Manipur' and 'Implement ILPS' at Polem Leikai junction.

As such, the protest got intensified after some time and one man was injured in the police-protesters tussle.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital while three protesters were detained by police.

On the other hand, large number of Canchipur and Kakwa locals tried to storm Singjamei police station.

However, additional police team arrived at the area and dispersed the protesters.

Earlier in the day, a sit-in-protest was held at the community hall of Thangmeiband Thingel Leikai.

People also blocked roads at different parts of Langthabal, where protesters damaged a Hero Honda motorcycle and a Hero Pleasure scooter during the agitation.

Similar protests could also be seen at Tendongyan, Wangkhei Thangapat, Wangkhei Ayangpali road, Nagamapal, Yairipok Nungoipokpi and Changangei.

People also staged sit-in-protests by blocking roads at Khurai Ningthoubung Leikai, Haobam Marak Irom Leikai and Ningomthong.

Sit-in-protests were staged at Singjamei Wangma Kongba road, Heirangoithong, Leimapok-pam, Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Pishum Ningom Leirak, Kwakeithel Nganappi Thong community hall, Salam and Phayeng.

Protesters held placards demanding immediate implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the State.

Further, they condemned killing of a student in police action.

Womenfolk also staged protests at Khurai Thangjam Leikai, Khurai Ahongei Leikai, Soibam Leikai and Sangakpham Poumai Colony, Yaingangpokpi Moirang bazar, Keinou and Irengbam.

Torch rallies were taken out at Yairipok Nungoipokpi, Lamboikhul and Khumbong.

Meanwhile, Citizen Club, Soibam Leikai observed a condolence meeting in honour of Sapam Robinhood at the club premises yesterday.

Condemning the brute force exerted by the State Police, the club members pledged to support JCILPS and its stir in the coming days.

On the otherhans, a protest demonstration organised by Lamphel Women United Development at Khwai Lamphel today was disrupted by police personnel who used force to disperse the group.

Lamphel Women United Development president G Thoibi said the MRVTMW Bill, 2015 was passed without the consent of the people.

Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant workers Bill, 2015 does not encompass all the demands set by the all parties' committee.

The women's body while pledging support to the JCILPS' movement further also demanded State Government to implement ILP to protect the indigenous people of Manipur.

Similar protests were also held at different places under Lamlai PS today.

Some of the places where the protest demonstration were staged are Seijang, Sabungkhok Khunou, Shanti Khongbal, Gwaltabi and Yaingangpokpi bazar.

The protesters later blocked the Imphal-Ukhrul road by sitting on the road till 4 in the evening, our correspondent reports.

The protest demonstration was attended by various clubs and organisations under Lamlai.

Intense forms of agitation were seen at different areas in Thoubal district.

Various Meira Paibi bodies staged sit-in-protests at different locations while young protesters blocked the streets of Thoubal.

Protesters at Thoubal Wangmataba burnt effigies of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi shouting 'We want ILP' slogan.

Electric posts were suspended and tyres burnt at several other places like Thoubal Haokha, Heibi Makhong, Kiyam Babu bazar, Khong Ahanbi, Tengjeng, Yairipok and Charangpat.

JCILPS, Thoubal, women wing also staged a sit-protest at Thoubal bazar today.

The protest was however disrupted after State police arrived at the area.