Shutdown cripples CCpur town, curfew imposed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 23 2024:
Normal life in Tuibong area under Churachandpur district headquarters was severely affected on Wednesday due to impromptu shutdown imposed against alleged molestation on a minor girl by a non-local shop owner while the district administration imposed restriction under Section 163 of BNSS in Tuibong sub-division.
Churachandpur district magistrate Dharun Kumar S, imposing the curfew in Tuibong sub-division for an indefinite period, said that a report has been received from the Superintendent of Police that there is a serious apprehension of breach of law and order situation in the sub-division and that would be detrimental to the general public peace and tranquillity.
"....under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, hereby declare prohibitory order on 23 October and shall remain in force until further orders, prohibiting the unauthorised procession or unlawful assembly of five or more persons and carrying arms/other instruments which can be used as weapon/s including sticks/rods and stones," the DM's order said.
According to sources, the 10-year old girl went to purchase some goods from the shop but the owner molested her.
On learning about the incident, some people along with family members and relatives of the minor girl went to the shop to discuss the matter.
However, owner of building of the shop ranted in angst on being told that the accused was manhandled, consequently sparking the shutdown call in Tuibong area.
As enraged locals started protesting after coming to know about the incident, the accused took shelter at the house of the owner of the building where his shop is located.
Meanwhile, the owner of the building, who is also an underground leader, sent some of his men to the protest site and allegedly got the protesters beaten up.
Meanwhile, Churachandpur district magistrate imposed curfew in Tuibong sub-division fearing escalation of tension in the area.
As the district administration tried to extend the curfew till Churachandpur main town, some sections of people opposed thereby escalating tension.
According to a police source, a person named Zakir was arrested in connection with the alleged molestation of the minor girl.
On learning the arrest of Zakir, some people including family members and relatives of the minor girl came at Zakir's shop, went on the rampage and brought out all the goods and set them afire on the street.
As some locals raised objection to the act of arson committed by the victim's side tension gripped the area, snowballing into clashes and stone pelting between the two groups.
District police along with central forces rushed to the spot and controlled the situation, the source said adding that heavy security deployment has been made to prevent further violence.
Deeply concerned over spread of rumour on social media regarding the molestation case, Churachandpur SDPO Prakhar Pande appealed to the people through the media not to believe in unverified information and stop spreading rumours.
Regarding the incident, Churachandpur women PS officer in-charge Chinneilam Gangte told media persons that a report was filed on October 21 at the police station that a shop owner named Zakir sexually molested a 10-year old girl on October 11.Based on the report, Churachandpur women PS registered an FIR under Section 8 of POCSO Act and started investigation.
On the next day on October 22, Zakir surrendered to the police station.
She also said that further investigation and recording of Zakir's statement are continuing to award punishment to the perpetrator and deliver justice to the victim.
According to a police officer, the situation turned volatile as enraged volunteers blocked roads and set fire to logs at Tuibong bazar, demanding justice.
The protestors also observed a 12-hour shutdown and all shops and business establishments were closed till 5 pm on Wednesday.
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