Solidarity march turns violent many injured, house torched
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 03 2023: The tribal solidarity march organised in hill districts under the aegis of All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) against the ST demand by Meetei/Meitei com- munity turned violent in different areas resulting in injuries to several persons and loss of properties on Wednesday.

The march took place in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Noney, Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi and Chandel districts.

At the same time, counter protests were also organised in different parts of the valley area including Uripok Kangchup Road up to Phayeng, Pangei, Chingarel Tejpur, Kadang- band, Khurkhul, Phousakhong and Kanto among others.

As the ATSUM's solidarity march turned violent, several persons were injured and houses were burnt in different districts, especially Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts.

Forest beat offices in Churachandpur district as well as houses in some villages were burnt by protestors following which villagers are taking refuge in Churachandpur district police reserve line.

Kangvai and Torbung are the worst affected area in Chu rachandpur district where several houses were burnt before police could react.

Several injured persons were rushed to Churachandpur district hospital, Kwakta PHC and Moirang PHC though exact number of injured persons is not known till the time of filing this report.

Sources in Churachandpur district said that the rally ended peacefully at the peace ground.

As the participants start ed to return home, some of the protestors found three unidentified miscreants in a white coloured Bolero torching the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial gate.

People nearby gathered and put off the fire.

In the meantime, unconfirmed reports of three youths of Churachandpur being beaten elsewhere came and it triggered the mob.

Large number of protestors gathered again and marched towards Kangvai.

They vandalised and torched several houses in Torbung and Kangvai area and also assaulted the residents.

Churachandpur police tried to control the mob but the pro testors overpowered them and came towards Kwakta.

On the other hand, an other source said that large number of protestors came from Churachandpur town towards Torbung and Kangvai in the afternoon while vandalising and burn ing houses along the way.

Police resorted to firing tear gas shell and live rounds in the air to disperse the mob.

They almost reached Kwakta but additional security force came and managed to force them to return.

Several people were injured with some said to be in serious condition.

Persons in combat fatigue and armed with AK rifles could be seen in video foot-ages of the mob action shared on social media.

Other videos also showed angry mob assaulting a truck driver, another youth and taking out arms and ammunition from a gun shop located in Churachandpur town.

In Kangpokpi district, unidentified miscreants attacked a passenger bus (MN01 2194) coming from Guwahati by pelting stones.

Violence also erupted in some parts of Imphal East district with vehicles torched by angry mob before police dis persed them by firing tear gas shells.

There is also report of some protestors suffering from gunshot wounds while a senior IPS officer and some police personnel were also injured while trying to bring the situation under control.

Similarly, there are reports of violent incidents including burning of some houses in some pockets of Imphal West district.

However, no substantial damages were reported as police resorted to firing tear gas shells to control the situation.

Meanwhile, in Moreh town, several houses and hotels in Ward No 4 (Prem Nagar Leikai), Ward No 6 (Moreh Bazar), ward no 7, ward no 8 (Moreh Bazar) and ward no 9 have been burnt down by protestors.

Though exact number of houses and hotels that were burned in the incident could not be verified, sources said that the number could be around 14 or 15 .

One of the houses belongs in Moreh Ward No 4 belonged to a prominent civil society leader.

Apart from his house, several others in the area have also been burned down forcing the residents to takerefuge in Myanmar side.

Assam Rifles, IRB and commando personnel are evacuating affected victims to Moreh police station at the time of filing this report.

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