23 arrested for arson, eight injured
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 17 2024: Police have arrested 23 people who were involved in the vandalism and arson attack at the residences of MLAs and minister on Saturday.

Meanwhile, around eight people were injured amid attempts by police to drive away the protesting crowds.

According to Saturday's daily update by Manipur Police Control Room, irate crowds stormed and vandalised the private houses of MLAs and ministers, forcing police to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowds.

Additional security forces including the army and Assam Rifles were deployed in Imphal as part of strict security measures and flag marches carried out.

Amid the chaos, around eight people were injured.

In Imphal East, West and Bishnupur districts, around 23 people involved in the vandalism and arson were arrested.

Police recovered one .32 pistol, seven SBBL rounds and eight mobile phones from their possession.

Senior SPs/COs are closely monitoring the situation in the state, it said.

On the other hand, Sagoltongba Mamang Leikai Nupi Kanglup has demanded the unconditional release of eight people including three underage persons arrested by police for their alleged participation in the attack at the residence of Health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan on Saturday.

In a press meet held at Sagoltongba Mamang Leikai community hall on Sunday, Kanglup secretary Chongtham Memcha recounted that a meeting of various clubs and Meira Paibi bodies of Konthoujam was held on Saturday to discuss the brutal killing of three hostages.

The gathering decided to meet minister Ranjan, who is also the local MLA, at his residence in Konthoujam, where some people told the gathering for consultation at the minister's Lamphel Sanakeithel residence the next morning.

However, an argument ensued and several people were detained and made to stand in a nearby ground.

After identifying workers of the minister, they were allowed to go while eight people including the three underage were arrested.

When the other people tried to talk to the minister to release, they were informed on Sunday that FIRs have been registered against the eight and told to consult lawyers for their release.

It would be unbecoming of an elected representative to abuse his power especially against minors, she said, and demanded their unconditional release.

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