Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 17 2008:
People of Lilong area particularly shopkeepers of the township downed shutters and briefly halted traffic along the busy Imphal-Moreh route this afternoon.
The wildcat agitation was launched to protest alleged atrocities committed by personnel of 5th India Reserve battalion who were deployed on frisking duty near the main gate of Manipur University.
According to informed sources, one Mehatabur Rahman alias Neta (30) s/o Fiazur of Lilong tolen village was pulled down from a passenger carrier (Tata Magic) and beaten up at around 7 am by the uniformed personnel while the individual was coming to Imphal.
Rahman, who runs a video (CD) parlour at Lilong Bazar was on his way to purchase CDs, the sources maintained while adding that the IRB personnel took away Rs 1000 in cash and a mobile phone handset from him.
As news spread of the high-handedness and excesses of the IRB personnel, shop owners/keepers of Lilong Bazar pulled down their shutters and organised a sit-in-demonstration during which passage of vehicles were not allowed momentarily.
However, as better sense prevailed the hurriedly organised agitation was called off and vehicles allowed to pass through.
While taking serious note of the alleged IRB misconduct and demanding appropriate action against the guilty personnel, Lilong Bazar Shopkeepers' Welfare Association also prevailed upon all concerned to desist from harassing the public without any valid reason.