MSCW condemns excessive use of force on students
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 27 2023:
In a strongly worded letter to the Director General of Police (DGP) Manipur, Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) chairperson Salam Ulka has expressed condemnation for the excessive use of force by the police on girl students during a recent protest.
The incident, captured in a widely circulated video on social media, showed a policeman throwing tear gas, resulting in stampede-like situation and serious injuries among the protesting students.
Approximately 50 individuals, primarily students and a teacher, sustained injuries during the police action, the MSCW chairperson said in the letter.
Furthermore, MSCW urged the state police to consider using water cannons instead of tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse student protesters in the future, emphasising the importance of minimising harm to demonstrators.
Addressing another distressing issue, MSCW vehemently condemned the brutal killings of Hemanjit and Linthoingambi by Kuki militants.
The Commission expressed solidarity with the grieving families and called on the state police to swiftly apprehend all individuals involved in the heinous crime and expedite the recovery of the victims' bodies, verifying the authenticity of the viral photos circulating online.
MSCW also sought an urgent action taken report from the state police to be submitted to the commission promptly, detailing the steps taken in response to both incidents.