Police foil attempt to set afire Aircel towers
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 15 2011:
Police used tear gas against a mob at Kumbi attempting to set ablaze two Aircel mobile towers after a rally was marched to register a strong protest against the kidnapping of a local man working as supervisor of the BCL Security Private Limited by suspected KCP (MC).
The mob charged the Aircel authority of remaining silent even though a man engaged by them as security guard had been taken into captivity in connection with monetary demands served to Aircel.
Supervisor, Moirangthem Boboi (30) of Kumbi bazar was abducted on February 11 from Moirang bazar, the same day on which the group killed watchman, Khundrakpam Thoiba (28) of Nachou Kha Leikai.
With slogans demanding unconditional and unharmed release of Boboi, hundreds of people took out a rally at Kumbi.
"Save the life of Boboi," "Release him unconditionally," "negotiate for safe release of Boboi," etc.
were the slogans displayed at the rally.
After the rally, a meeting was held to discuss the follow up action.
One of the towers is located in the estate of Khagenbam Henba of Lai Sandong Leikai while the other is at Kumbi IB road in the estate of Huirem Bharat.
While some leaders were expressing dissatisfaction over the Aircel authority remaining silent on the issue, womenfolk suddenly rose up and marched towards two Aircel towers located near the bazar.
While they started dismantling the barbwire fencing of the two towers and setting the towers on fire, a police team arrived and tried to stop them.
The police had to resort to firing tear gas shells in a bid to disperse the crowd and prevent damage to the towers.
Five persons were injured in the police action.
All the injured persons were admitted at City Health Centre, Moirang.
Reports said the protest continued till late this evening.