IMPHAL: In the wake of intense protest against the kidnapping and subsequent killings of two in Imphal, the government has now established a committee to investigate allegations of excessive force used by security personnel during the protests, primarily involving students.
The committee, tasked with verifying complaints of undue force against protesters, will be led by IGP (Administration) K Jayanta, according to an official order issued by the Director-General of Police (DGP) on Thursday.
The order highlights the numerous reports and allegations of security forces using excessive force to maintain law and order in the Imphal area in recent days. The committee is expected to submit its report promptly.
The turmoil began when news of the kidnapping and murder of two Meitei youths spread rapidly, with images of their lifeless bodies circulating on social media platforms. Thousands of students took to the streets in protest, demanding justice for the victims.
The situation escalated on night of September 26 when a clash broke out between Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and locals protesting the murders. Security forces resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets, along with baton charges, to disperse the agitating crowd. As a result, 45 protesters, predominantly students, sustained injuries.
September 27 saw a continuation of clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in approximately 20 more protesters being injured.
In response to the use of force, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) condemned the actions of the RAF and security forces against student protesters on Wednesday, labelling it a “violation of human rights”.
Hospital officials reported that two school students suffered severe injuries from “multiple pellet bullets” fired by security forces during a student protest rally against the killings. One of the students had more than thirty pellets lodged in the back of their head, while the other sustained a torn shoulder as a result of being hit by a lethal weapon.
