SHDDC turns tables on Works Minister, cops
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 29 2011:
Taking strong exception against the alleged firing by the police team which rushed in to clear the way for Works Minister K Ranjit where he was reportedly detained by the SHDDC on October 27 at Kangpokpi, a large number of womenfolk organised sit-ins yesterday at Kangpokpi demanding among other things, the ouster of the Works Minister.
On the other hand, the State Cabinet which met today has instructed the State police to submit a report on the October 27 incident as well as the shot that was allegedly fired at the bullet proof vehicle of K Ranjit.
Giving their side of the story, a woman leader, Nemvah Misao said that there was no attempt to either hold Rajit captive nor block his way on the said day.
"The only thing we tried was talk to him on our long pending demand.
However the Government, in their effort to portray us in the wrong light, let loose their police on the protestors " she claimed.
Similar sit-in-protests were also held at Bongmol village.
The villagers displayed the spent cartridges as well as spent tear gas shells to the media persons who visited the place.
Works Minister K Ranjit was stopped from proceeding towards Imphal while returning home after inspecting the construction work of the mini-stadium at Senapati on October 27 .
A large police posse, 35 teams of police commandos, had to rush in from Imphal to clear the passage for the Minister and his men in the evening.
Terming the October 27 incident as Anti-People's Day in the movement for Sadar Hills, the SHDDC in a statement said that the excessive conduct of the police team stands condemned.
Instead of paying heed to the request of the womenfolk, the Minister did not even step down from his vehicle, said the SHDDC and added that the police teams fired at least 200 tear gas shells and opened 600 rounds of gun fire.
Moreover over 100 mock bombs were also used.
In all eight women were hurt, said SHDDC.
A woman identified as Nemvah Misao sustained bullet injury, it said and added that an elderly woman who was in her bed was also hit by a bullet.
She has been identified as Vahlam Kipgen.
Since the protestors had nothing else they had to use stones, said SHDDC and rubbished the claim that the bullet proof vehicle of the Minister was fired upon.
"The shot was fired by his own men at his vehicle," claimed SHDDC.
The Committee however expressed regret over the injuries of 15 police commandos.