Mobs try to storm police stations over arrest of 5 youths, curfew reimposed

IMPHAL, Sept 21: More than 10 people were injured when Manipur security forces fired tear gas shells
on protesters for trying to storm police stations and court arrest demanding the unconditional release of
the five arrested youths on Thursday.
As a precautionary measure, the state government cancelled curfew relaxations in the twin districts of
Imphal from 5pm, officials said.
Responding to a call by six local clubs and Meira Paibis demanding the release of the five village
volunteers, hundreds of protesters holding placards and shouting slogans tried to enter the Porompat
police station in Imphal East and Singjamei police station and Kwakeithel police outpost in Imphal West
district.
However, police and RAF personnel deployed at strategic positions fired several rounds of tear gas shells
to disperse the crowd.
A protester, identified as Th Bimola at Porompat said, “We were left with no option but to court arrest
as the government failed to release the five village volunteers. If such village volunteers are arrested,
who will protect the Meitei villages in the periphery of the hills and the valley Kuki Zo militants.”
Similar attempts to enter Mayang Imphal police station in Imphal West district and Andro police station
in Imphal East district were also reported.
All Langthabal Kendra United Clubs Coordinating Committee president Yumnam Hitler said, “The
decision to launch the ‘voluntary mass arrest’ agitation was taken after the government took no steps to
release the five arrested youths.”
On September 16, Manipur Police had arrested five persons for carrying sophisticated weapons and
donning camouflage uniforms. In a statement, police said the five had been produced before the judicial
magistrate and remanded to police custody.
In the evening, the state government cancelled curfew relaxation in the twin districts of Imphal in the
wake of the violence.
According to an official order by the district magistrate of Imphal West, “Curfew hours, which was
relaxed from 5am to 9pm on September 21, stands withdrawn with effect from 5pm and restriction of
movement of general public outside their residences is enforced in all areas of Imphal West district.”
Similar orders were also imposed in Imphal East district, officials said. (PTI)