Protesters march to Raj Bhavan, 7 hurt in crackdown
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 25 2025:
Protesting against the Gwaltabi incident of May 20 and demanding apology from the Governor, a large number of people today marched to the Raj Bhavan and seven women protesters sustained injuries in crackdown by security forces.
At around 1.20 pm, a group of angry protesters marched to Raj Bhavan.
When they were about to reach Kangla western gate traffic point, they were stopped by a large number of security personnel.
Soon a heated argument ensued between the two sides.
When the angry protesters tried to forcefully march toward Raj Bhavan, security forces pushed back the protesters using cane shields.
To bring the situation under control and disperse the angry protesters, security forces used two stun hand grenades and pushed back the protesters till Bir Tikendrajit Flyover Bridge.
During the confrontation, four women protesters sustained injuries and they were evacuated for treatment at RIMS Hospital.
The injured protesters have been identified as Takhelchangbam Gyaneshwori (58) of Khongman Mangjil Mamang, Ning-thoukhongjam Priya (42) of Wangkhei Angom Leikai, Thokchom Gita (44) of Singjamei Thokchom Leikai and Nandeibam Shanti (72) of Khurai Heikrumakhong.
Undeterred by the security forces' crackdown, angry protesters continued to gather near Bir Tikendrajit Flyover Bridge and shouted toward the security personnel.
The situation turned ugly at around 4.20 pm when the protesters led by womenfolk again set out to march toward Raj Bhavan through Kangla western gate.
Security forces stopped the protesters in front of BT Park and asked them (protesters) to turn back saying they were not permitted not to march any further.
This evoked another round of heated arguments between the two sides.
As the protesters tried to march forward, security forces fired tear gas shells and mock bombs toward the angry protesters and drove them away in different directions.
The security personnel then moved to Shamu Makhong area, dispersed the angry protesters and forced them to adjoining places.
In the crackdown, three more women protesters sustained injuries and they have been identified as Abe Devi (64) of Lalambung, K Sabitri (60) of Tabungkhok and Sanasam Malemnganbi (22) of Pishum Oinam Leikai.
Meanwhile, heavy security measures have been taken up to prevent any further attempt to storm Raj Bhavan.
On the other hand, similar protests were staged in Imphal East district at Palace Gate traffic point but there was no report of any untoward incident.
Pressing for the same demand, large numbers of angry protesters took out a protest rally from Kongba up to Palace Gate.
On reaching Palace Gate, a large number of security personnel stopped them from proceeding toward Sanjenthong by putting iron barricades in the middle of the road.
The angry protesters went back peacefully toward Kongba after shouting some slogans.
Earlier, taking serious note of the possible breakdown of law and order because of the protest march, heavy security measures were taken up and all the roads leading to Raj Bhavan were sealed by putting iron barricades and bullet proof Casspir vehicles in the middle of the roads.
Iron barricades were put up at Keishampat junction, Maharani Bridge, Lamlong, Palace Gate, Moirangkhom and others A large number of security forces including CRPF, RAF and State police were deployed at the Raj Bhavan's main entrance gate.
Meanwhile, women's organisations affiliated with FOCS have extended financial assistance to the women protesters injured in police crackdown.
The women's organisations have also vehemently condemned the excessive use of force by security forces upon the peaceful protesters.
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