Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 07 2010:
A youth sustained injuries when some Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel opened fire near a place where public were playing Lagao (gambling game) last night.
The firing broke out near Moirang Kampu Khewa Thong where a Lagao was in progress at around 9.30 pm yesterday.
Information received by the press said that Maibam Mocha alias Jitchandra (21) s/o Kumar and Meitankeishangbam Roshan (21) s/o Binoy, both residents of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, came in a Dio scooter and joined in the gambling game.
Some VDF personnel were also betting in the game while some others were on duty near the bridge.
While coming out and driving away in their scooter, Mocha and Roshan shouted, 'VDF na sanglaga Lagao khao-e ko' ( Lagao is in progress with VDF on guard).
At that, one of the VDF personnel shouted at them to stop.
But Mocha and Roshan went ahead thinking it was not to them when the gun was opened fire at them.
It is said that there is a VDF post just beyond the bridge.
Mocha was hit by two bullets on his left hand.
After driving it into a bylane, the scooter was abandoned there and Roshan fled from there while injured Mocha hid in the outhouse of a house even as VDF personnel started searching for them.
It was only after Police commandos arrived that Mocha was taken to JNIMS for treatment.
From JNIMS, Mocha has been referred to Raj Polyclinic.
In connection with the incident, a senior officer of Imphal East District Police clarified that there is no questioning of VDF keeping guard to allow playing of Lagao.
There is report that the two youths weredrunk and created mischief apart from driving away despite being asked to stop.
Nevertheless, investigation has been on after registering a case, the police officer added.