48-hour bandh in Imphal as local groups call for release of 5 men held for carrying firearms

Supplementary examinations of all subjects of class 10 board exams of the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, which had been scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday, were cancelled in view of the bandh.

Written by Sukrita Baruah

Guwahati | September 19, 2023 11:48 PM IST

2 min read

Imphal, Imphal valley, Manipur violence, Manipur protests, Manipur news, N Biren Singh, manipur government, Manipur deaths, Manipur violence deaths, India news, Indian express, Indian express India news, Indian express India

Security personnel conduct Joint Combing Operations in sensitive areas in both the Hills and Valley sectors of Manipur on Friday. (ANI Photo)

Listen to this article

Your browser does not support the audio element.

A 48-hour bandh came into effect in the Imphal Valley on Tuesday, with local groups demanding the release of five men who had been arrested for carrying firearms and wearing camouflage uniforms.

Markets and commercial establishments remained closed and few vehicles plied the roads on Tuesday morning.

“Congregation of crowds, road blockades and closure of different establishments were reported at various locations at Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching and Jiribam districts. District police and security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowds and remove road blockades at various places,” the Manipur Police said in a statement on Tuesday.

The five men, whose arrest on Saturday triggered the bandh, were found in possession of an INSAS rifle, an SLR, two .303 rifles, and multiple magazines and rounds of ammunition, The Indian Express has learnt.

One of them, Moirangthem Anand Singh (45), has been identified as having initially been a trained cadre of the separatist group, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of Manipur, and then the Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) group, sources said, adding that he had been arrested seven times between 1997 and 2010. All the other arrested are men between the ages of 28 and 39.

The five were booked under multiple sections of the IPC, the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, as well as the Official Secrets Act for the misuse of official uniforms.

Story continues below this ad

On Monday, the Meira Paibis blocked several important roads at Khurai and Kongba in Imphal East district, Kakwa in Imphal West district, Nambol in Bishnupur district and parts of Thoubal district, demanding the release of the five men.

— With PTI input

Sukrita Baruah

Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:

Guwahati