Imphal, January 11: Strongly protesting the Patsoi ambush that resulted in the death of one civilian and injury on four others yesterday evening, local residents blocked the National Highway 53 from 6 am today, organised a public meeting and formed a JAC who subsequently met the Chief Minister to express their grievances.

The incident occurred at Yurembam Ngaseppam yesterday evening when an escort party of 2nd Mani-pur Rifles Commanding Officer Sanasam Leirenjao in two Maruti Gypsys were returning after dropping the officer at his private residence located under Patsoi police station.

Besides firing from automatic weapons, under barrel bombs were reportedly used in the attack that resulted in the killing of one Sinam Deban (35) and injury caused to four others identified as Sapam Prakash (25), Mutum Deben (35), Soibam Sibarani Devi (9) all from Yurembam Awang Maning Leikai and Laishram Sanjit (27) of Ngairangpham Awang Leikai.

The JAC formed to denounce the indiscriminate firing at public place and killing of innocent civilian represented by its co-convenor urged the CM to institute a judicial inquiry, Rs five lakh compensation to next of kin of the deceased and Rs one lakh each to the four injured, necessary measure to prevent recurrence of such incident and not to claim the corpse till an agreement has been reached with the Government.

The meeting which started from around 4.30 pm however failed to arrive at any conclusion as the very first demand regarding judicial probe ran into a road block with the JAC delegates staging a walk out.

Speaking to media-persons near the CM�s residence the JAC members categorically ruled out claiming Deban�s body while adding that future course of action will be taken after a public meeting tomorrow.

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