Protesters clash with police during March to CM’s residence in Manipur
Imphal: Thousands of people demanding permanent peace in strife-torn Manipur clashed with the police after they were prevented from marching towards the chief minister’s residence in Imphal.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the agitators, under the aegis of Meitei organisations, took out four different rallies which were stopped ahead of the CM’s bungalow in Babupara area.
Additional security forces were deployed and barricades were put up on all routes leading to the CM’s residence, officials said. At Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district, security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse protesters after they attempted to break through police barricades, they said.
The agitators raised slogans demanding justice for two children killed in a recent bomb blast in Bishnupur district and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons affected by the ethnic conflict. A group of agitators later met Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and submitted a memorandum. Community leader Y K Dhiren said they will intensify agitation if demands are not met. Over 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur since May 3, 2023.
