Imphal, August 03 2009: At least three protestors were injured when police clashed with the protestors in Khurai areas where tension over the killing of Chungkham Sanjit by police commandos in 'fake encounter' even as life was totally paralyzed today on the first day of the 48-hour general strike called by Apunba Lup.

Tension at Khurai area ran high and despite police efforts to clear the Tinsid road which has been closed by the agitators could not be opened today for resumption of normal traffic.

Agitators' clash with the police also continued along the stretch of the road from Lamlong Bazar to Kongpal Thongkhong.

Even as police attempted to disperse the protestors and open the road, the protestors attacked them with sling shot and stones in which police retaliated with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Police also used water canon in dispersing the protestors.

In the day long clash between the police and protestors, at least three youths among the protestors sustained injuries with rubber bullets fired by the police.

The injured agitators were identified as Khundrakpam Sanaton alias Bong (25) son of late Pakpa of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai, Khaithem Sanker (24) son of late Tomchou of Kongpal Khaidem Leikai and Nandeibam Rajen (15) son of Diren of Khurai Sajor Leikai.

Sanaton sustained when hit by two rubber bullets at both thigh.

He also received burnt injury when his trouser caught fired in the incident.

Sanker also sustained injury when hit by another rubber bullet fired by the police in dispersing the agitators while Rajen received injury at the hand.

They received injuries when police resorted in firing tear gas and rubber bullet towards the protestors who hurled stones and fired slingshot towards them while police attempted to block them from burning effigies of chief minister, DGP and others on the street at Tinsid road near Lamlong Bazar.

The clash between the police and agitators which started from around 10 am continued till late evening.

Agitators also erected bungers to counter and get ready slingshot for firing the police dispersing them.

Police personnel also used slingshot apart from mob ammunition devices to disperse the agitators.

The blocking of roads by the agitators extended to the at the Lamlong area of the Imphal-Ukhrul road, Imphal-Pangei road, by-lane at Khurai Kongpal Sajor Leikai, Heikrumakhong and Ayangpali road also.

While blocking the road, agitators stretched women's undergarments, phanek to prevent road goers apart from burning disposed off tyres and debris on the road.

They also burnt down effigies of chief minister and DGP at various places.

The Apunba Lup, an apex body of local clubs and civil organizations called the 48-hour state-wide general strike demanding resignation of the Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh on moral ground after the exposure of killing a youth, Ch Sanjit of Khurai Sajor Leikai by the police commandos in crowded market area in Imphal city on July 23 last.

The body is demanding resignation of chief minister, O Ibobi who is also looking after the home portfolio on moral ground, befitting punishment to the police commandos involved in the July firing incident and police officer who guided the chief minister in the wrong by alleging the killed youth a coming to extort money from public in the floor of the Manipur Assembly.

In Imphal, business establishments, shops and educational institutions were closed and only few private vehicles plied on the streets.

Attendance in government offices was thin but flight services were not affected by the general strike.

On the first day of the general strike which was commenced from last midnight has totally paralyzed normal life across the state.

Attendances in government offices were sparse.

Schools and other education institutions which the Apunba Lup kept within the purview of the strike remained closed for the day.

The general strike was commenced from midnight last and will be concluded midnight of August 4 .

During the general strike hour at about 11 am, womenfolk under the banner of the Women Welfare Association and meira paibi lups organized a silent protest rally.

Comment