In Manipur, no let-up in protests over killing of Meitei students, 50 injured

The state government has announced that “swift and decisive” action will be taken against the perpetrators, but that has done little to quell the anger from the Meitei community.

The protests came against the backdrop of the arrival of CBI Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, along with five officials, in Manipur to probe into the students’ killing.

Even as the state government closed down schools on Wednesday in view of the prevailing law and order situation, agitated students came out in large numbers demanding swift justice for the brutal killings. In one of the photos, Hemjit’s head had been severed from his body.

In Imphal, students tried to march towards the CM’s bungalow and Raj Bhavan to press for their demands and security personnel resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse them.

Student representatives were eventually allowed to meet the Governor and the Chief Minister. Protest marches were also seen in Thoubal, Moirang and some other locations.

In the afternoon, an irate mob torched a BJP office in Thoubal district.

Considering the tense situation, the district administration did not relax curfew in Imphal East and Imphal West. According to government sources, there will be no curfew relaxation on Thursday either.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Wednesday said that he has sought a report from the DGP on excessive action taken by the Army against student protesters. This came as several videos emerged, including one purportedly showing a student being beaten with a baton.

“I have sought a detailed report from the DGP over the viral videos and if security forces are found using excessive force against students, appropriate action will be initiated,” the Chief Minister said.

He advised security personnel to exercise maximum restraint in dealing with students and women protesters.

Pointing out that the CBI team had arrived, Singh appealed to the people to have faith in the investigation.

He also said he has talked with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the matter. “The perpetrators who committed the brutal murder will be given befitting punishment as per law of the land,” he said.

Biren added that 25 companies of CAPF and two companies of RAF have been deployed in 23 areas of Churachandpur district to maintain law and order. This is in addition to Assam Rifles and state police already present in the area, he said.