Army, locals scuffle over detention of village volunteers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Thoubal, June 24 2023:
Gorkha Rifles (GR) personnel conducted search operation at Itham village, Imphal East district during which it detained 11 village volunteers protecting the village around 12:30 pm on Saturday.
As new of the detention spread, large number of people from Yairipok, Thoubal and nearby Itham encircled the village and blocked the Army's route demanding release of the volunteers along with the seized arms possessed for protection of the village.
As the crowd swelled in number, GR personnel opened fire during which a village volunteer identified as Maibam Dingku (24), son of M Mani of Nongbrang was wounded on his hands and taken to Raj Medicity Imphal, while a truck driver - Laishom Sanjov (40), son of L Itoba was also detained and windshield of the vehicle smashed by the GR personnel.
After his release, Sanjoy was taken to Moirangpurel CHC for injuries due to alleged beating by GR personnel.
The Army released the village volunteers due to intense protest by the locals but refused to hand over the seized guns, consequently leading to the people blocking the roads at Keihao village, Nongpok Keithelmanbi, Itham Moirangpurel and other areas to stop them from leaving the area.
As the Army tried to breach the barricade a scuffle broke out leading to baton charge by the GR personnel during which many other suffered injuries.
As the locals continued to block the route, the Army headed towards the hilly areas.
Till the time of filing this report, Rapid Action Force (RAF) reinforcement reached the area trying to control the situation.