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Two injured in police-bandh supporters confrontation; bullet proof vehicle damaged

A road block at Samaram Lamkhai against the arrest of Khomdonmacha. IFP Photo
A road block at Samaram Lamkhai against the arrest of Khomdonmacha. IFP Photo

IMPHAL, March 16: Violence erupted today in Khongjom Samaram Lamkhai in Thoubal district between the police and bandh supporters during an indefinite bandh imposed in the area along the Imphal-Moreh Highway.

The bandh was imposed since yesterday demanding unconditional release of Nongmaithem Khomdonmacha who was arrested earlier this month and remanded to judicial custody yesterday by a court in connection with the suspected murder of Nongmaithem (o) Memicha Devi.

Memicha’s body was recovered on February 26 from a paddy field at Khongjom Sapam.

In their bid to control and disperse the bandh supporters, police personnel resorted to firing tear gas shells and several rounds of bullets. On their part, the bandh supporters pelted stones towards the police personnel.

During the police-bandh supporter confrontation, tear gas shells hit two women injuring them, while another tear gas shell fell inside a house through the roof setting ablaze a bed. The house belongs to one Thouchom Rabei.

Bandh supporters also damaged a bullet proof vehicle of the police.

According to reports culled from the incident site, around 9:30am today, a huge contingent of the district police arrived to disperse the bandh supporters.

However, arrival of the police only enraged the bandh supporters who had come out in a large number from Samaram and other neighbouring villages. Soon a confrontation ensued between the two sides.

The two injured women identified as Longjam Ahanbi, 40 wife of (L) Muhindro and Longjam Memcha, 45, wife of Ibohal both of Samaram Mamang Leikai were rushed to the District Hospital Thoubal.

Meanwhile, bandh supporters also chased down a police bullet proof vehicle bearing regd no MN 01X 4789 and damaged it by pelting stones and attacking with tree branches.

Soon, an additional police force led by additional SP (Ops) Thoubal District N Madhunimai rushed to the spot and controlled the bandh supporters.

Meanwhile, the JAC formed in connection with the arrest of Khomdonmacha, chairman K Jiten said they cannot accept the arrest of Khomdonmacha in connection with the death of Memicha even after the post mortem report had stated Memicha’s death is a case of suicide.

He further demanded that the judge who sent Khomdonmacha to jail should also be transferred from Thoubal.

Jiten also claimed that the IO of the case has himself stated in his post mortem report that Memicha had killed herself.

He said the indefinite bandh was imposed demanding Khomdonmacha’s release and action against the police personnel who had used rude and abusive language against the people during their demand for justice.

He said the agitations will continue till their demands are met.

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