Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 13 2008:
The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) has recommended a thorough enquiry into the police crackdown on Mapithel dam protesters on November 3 in which more than 40 protesters were injured.
The protesters were taking out a public rally demanding review of the Mapithel dam and to avail an economic package to the affected villagers in both the upstream and downstream.
The protesters were taking an ultimatum to the State officials stationed at the dam site when police reportedly resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs in addition to baton-charging the villagers.
Among the injured victims, the condition of one C Lungmila (60) is said to be critical.
Following a complaint filed by a relative of the woman, a team of MSCW led by its Chairperson Ch Jamini paid a visit to the victim in the ICU of a private hospital at Imphal yesterday.
While strongly condemning the police action against the peace protesters, most of whom were women, Ch Jamini recommended that the State Government should institute an enquiry into the incident.
Speaking to media persons today, Jamini observed that the police should act with some level of humanity in discharging their duties.
She further suggested that humanitarian aspect should be incorporated in police training.