Imphal, August 19: Pouring out angst at the cremation of Pebam Chitaranjan Mangang's body at the Minu-thong public crematorium general strike supporters went on an early morning rampage along Tiddim Line scattering debris to halt advance of security vehicles before engaging the security personnel in a pitched battle.

The protestors even attempted to set ablaze plastic chairs set up at Keishampat traffic point and occupied most of the time by the Imphal West SP and 1st Manipur Rifles Commandant during agitation breather.

Timely arrival of security reinforcement who fired tear gas shells prevented the agitators from carrying out their violent protest.

Protest broke out along Tiddim Line when news broke out about the cremation of Chittaranjan's body late last night and soon after daybreak protestors dismantled road divider (meridian) and scattered the bricks and boulders from near Hodam Leirak approach road till Kwakeithel bazar besides blocking the road with big logs.

Glasses were also broken on major stretch of the road and tyres set ablaze to prevent plying of vehicles that tried to defy the indefinite general strike called from August 16 evening.

Iron net fencing put up at the meridian were also uprooted and the huge hoarding at Kwakeithel Bazar inscribed 'Welcome to Imphal' was also pulled down to block one half of the road.

Eye witnesses informed that several numbers of protestors went on the rampage in between 6.30 to 7 am to express their opposition to forced disposal of Chittaranjan's body.

With the infuriated protestors showing no sign of retreating even after the security force comprising of police commandos and IRB personnel had reached Hodam Leikai entrance the cops released volley of rubber bullets, tear gas shells and mockery bombs to pass through the troubled zone with residents closest to the road having to bear the brunt of mob dispersal action/materials.

The police commandos also rounded up 20/30 youths suspected to be involved in the riot and made them clear the debris laying from Hodam Leirak till Kwakeithel Bazar.

A JCB (excavator) was pressed into service to clear the debris.

Local residents who came out to witness the scenario were also asked to sweep the glass splinters scattered by the agitators.

During the police crack down on protestors an elderly person identified as Pebam Tomba (62) of Takhellambam Leikai who was standing at his courtyard suffered rubber bullet injuries at both legs.

He has been admitted to RIMS Hospital.

Another two persons identified as Wahengbam Herojit Singh (50) of Ahallup and Ningthoujam Rahul Singh (12) of Sagolband Thingom Leikai have also been admitted at RIMS Hospital, informed Helpline Unit RIMS.

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