Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 16:
Tension ran high at Lilong during the day with supporters of the Thoubal district bandh called in protest against the killing of Md Razak Khan at Lilong Leihaokhong on September 13 by a combined force of Imphal East Commandos and 32 Assam Rifles engaging in a pitch battle with the security personnel who resorted to firing in retaliation.
The general strike was however, suspended later during the day following an understanding reached with the Government.
While the general strike was in effect, a large number of protestors including women and children came out to the streets since early morning and targeted all those vehicles plying in defiance of the bandh call.
As the protestors did not allow any vehicles to pass the area, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district had to turn back.
At around 9.15 am, MLA Meghachandra came along with his escort party from Imphal side.
But the protestors stopped them.
At that time, some unidentified miscreants started hurling stones from the back side, prompting the Thoubal police commandos who came in one bullet proof 407 vehicle and two Gypsys to fire around 50 rounds in the air.
Thoubal Police Commandos who came in another three vehicles also fired around 20 rounds in the air when they were tried to be stopped by the protestors at around 11 am today.
After the firing the Commandos returned back.
The bandh was, however, suspended after a joint meeting of the representatives of the JAC formed in connection with the killing and the Government.
MOBC Minister Md Allauddin Khan, former Speaker Dr Maniruddin Sheikh and OC of Lilong PS attended the meeting held in the office chamber of MOBC Minister from the side of the Government.
Following the assurance given by the MOBC Minister to take the responsibility of providing Rs 1 lakh as ex-gratia to the bereaved family members from the side of the Government and facilitate a meeting with the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh after he returns from New Delhi to discuss the demands of the JAC as well as in view of the current observance of Ramzan fasting month and the problems being faced by the flood affected people of Thoubal district, the JAC agreed to suspend its agitation for sometime, according to statement issued by JAC convenor Md Amjad Khan.
While condemning the excesses committed by the security forces with immunity granted under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the JAC regretted the damages caused to the vehicles during the bandh and expressed gratitude to all those who extended their support to the cause of the JAC.