IMPHAL, September 9: Police used smoke bombs to disperse a mass rally organised by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System in front of the Kangla Western gate.
The rally was taken out demanding additional SP Yengkhom Victoria’s suspension from service over yesterday’s incident at the JCILPS office.
The rally had originated from the Khwairamband Keithel this afternoon, participated by women vendors, students and others and proceeded towards Raj Bhavan shouting slogans demanding the police officer’s suspension and implementation of the ILPS in the State.
After police used smoke bombs to disperse the rally, the protestors again gathered at Shamu Makhong under the overbridge.
Police thwarted all attempts of the protestors to take out the rally again. Protestors tried to force their way into Thangal bazar, but were again blocked by the police.
Finding no way to move forward, the protestors turned back and rushed into the Chierap Court complex and later on getting information about the arrested 12 members being produced at a Lamphel court, the protestors took out a rally till the Lamphel Court.
By the time, the protestors reach the court, the 12 had already been remanded to judicial custody for 15 days. The 12 were produced before the Chief Judicial magistrate, Imphal East.
The 12 detained members are identified as Moirangthem Angamba Singh, Johnson Nongmaithem, Sumanta Manoharmayum, Elangbam Bijendra Meitei, Longjam Abothe Meitei, Konsam Phulindro Singh, Md Sajad Buya, Sarangthem William Milton, Khumukcham (n) Naosekpam (o) Rashesori Devi, Okram (n) Khomdram (o) Gunabati Devi, Hijam Ibema Devi and Nameirakpam Ibemcha Devi.
All 12 are charged with u/s 368/326/384/34 IPC.
Several shops in both Paona bazar and Thangal bazar remained closed in the evening due to the brief unrest.
Meanwhile, the student wing of the committee has strongly condemned “excessive action” of additional SP, Imphal West Yengkhom Victoria at the Nongmeibung office of the committee yesterday, expressed co-convenor Sanasam Subhash Chandra.
Speaking at a press conference at AMSU, head office, DM College he said the police officer’s action is regrettable.
It may be mentioned that Victoria had allegedly barged into the office of the committee yesterday while its members were discussing the invitation of the Chief Minister regarding a talk on ILPS demand.
She had arrested 12 members of the committee including four women following a scuffle between student wing members of the committee and her elder brother Debson Yengkhom CEO of “Tashi Interiors” inside the office.
Subhash also said that the Tashi Interiors has been banned indefinitely until an amicable solution is brought between the two parties.
He further appealed to the concerned authority to release the arrested members unconditionally at the earliest.
The student wing co-convenor continued that verification of non-locals for fake and illegal id-cards will be continued.