Imphal: Defying prohibitory orders, protesters in Manipur held torchlight processions overnight, set a government building on fire, and clashed with security forces on Sunday, police said on Monday. Manipur continues to witness demonstrations following the arrests of a Meitei organisation leader and four others.
Clashes erupted between protesters and security personnel in Imphal West district’s Kwakeithel and Singjamei areas, and police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the agitators, an officer said.
The Sub-Divisional Collector (SDC) Office in Yairipok Tulihal, Imphal East, was set on fire, resulting in partial damage to the building and destruction of official records.
The police have initiated an investigation to identify the culprits behind the arson, the officer said, adding that security in the area has been heightened to prevent untoward incidents.
The demonstrators created mounds of soil on roads in Sekmai and Koirengei areas in Imphal West district to prevent the movement of security forces.
They burnt tyres in the middle of the roads and clashed with security forces in Wangkhei, Yairipok and Khurai in Imphal East district, and several rounds of tear gas shells were fired to disperse them, another officer said.
Burnt tyres with smoke billowing were seen on the roads in several localities across Imphal on Monday morning.
“The situation continues to remain tense with protesters blocking several roads with bamboo sticks. Though several roadblocks, particularly on the Tiddim road that leads to the Imphal airport, have been cleared by security forces,” a police officer said.
Women’s groups joined the protests and held torchlight processions in Khurai, demanding the immediate formation of a government in the state, which is now under the President’s rule.
Notably, protests erupted across Manipur since Saturday over the arrests of Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol leader Kanan Singh and four others.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it had arrested a member of Arambai Tenggol at Imphal Airport on Sunday for his alleged involvement in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023, while the police did not disclose details of the four others.
ALSO READ: Curfew, internet blackout imposed in Manipur amid widespread unrest
Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts, while internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN facilities, have been suspended in these valley areas since Saturday night after violent protests erupted across the state.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday held a security review meeting with senior officials in the wake of the demonstrations across the state. To maintain order, the state government had deployed additional central forces and tightened security around key locations, including the Raj Bhavan.
