Imphal, June 18: DGP, AA Siddique today justified the firing on the mob-which claimed the lives of at least 13 people on the third day of the general strike launched by various organizations in protest against the imposition of the cease fire on the state by the Central government.

During a hurriedly called press conference, the DGP said "the firing to the protester was an act of self defence" adding that a magisterial inquiry will be conducted into the incident.

Putting the death toll at 10, the DGP briefing media persons tonight said that only 30 rounds were fired during the incident in which three died in chief minister's bungalow while one was killed on Tiddim Road.

Six succumbed to their injuries at the hospital rising the number to 10.According to a statement circulated by the DGP, over 50,000 rioting mob congregated near Raj Bhavan in violation of section 144 CrPC since early morning.

The security forces tried all forms of persuasion but eventually the crowd converged at Raj Bhavan gate by breaking the cordons from different routes to the Raj Bhavan.

They also burnt effigies at number of places of Prime Minister, home minister, Padmanabhaiah and Th Muivah, the statement said.

They were demanding to enter inside the Raj Bhavan and demanded that the Governor should come out to listen to them.

RK Angousana came out on behalf of the Governor to request the congregation to depute few of their representatives to come inside the Raj Bhavan and meet the Governor, the statement said.

However the mob did not listen and insisted that the Governor should come out of Raj Bhavan and speak to them outside the Raj Bhavan.

The mob started pelting stones and damaged the vehicles and they then marched in groups breaking the cordons towards the Assembly and Babupara side and indulged in vandalism and large scale arson.

They set on fire the Assembly building, Congress Bhavan, MSCP office, MPP office, residence of the Speaker, MLAs, including Prof.Gangmumei Kamei, A Biren Singh, H Sanayaima Singh, Kh.

Chandra Singh, MHemanta Singh and Tomba Singh, P Achou Singh, Dr Khasim Ruivah, Dr L Chandramani Singh, K Govindas, M Kunjo Singh and Th.Chaoba Singh, MOS (FPI) besides CM's office and guest house and many more buildings, it said.

The statement further said, the Assembly had become unlawful they were given warning to disperse as prohibitory orders were enforced.

Since the mob did not heed and they did not dispersed inspite of firing of tear smoke and lathi charge, rather they intensified their violent activities; firing was resorted to disperse them.

The police statement said only 14 persons were injured.

Before and after the firing took place, the crowd had resorted to arson at about more than 40 places at different locations, damaged government properties, obstructed public, government servants and police on duty, pelted stones at them and vehicles, injuring 20 policemen and causing damage to a number of government vehicles including police vehicles, the DGP charged in the statement.

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