Two cops suspended over Manipur bandh arson

A government order said disciplinary action is being contemplated against the two sub-inspectors for dereliction of duties. The order also barred the two policemen from leaving their headquarters without permission.

The order also barred the two policemen from leaving their headquarters without permission. (Representational)

The Manipur government on Friday suspended two police sub-inspectors in connection with incidents of arson along National Highway-37 on the Imphal-Jiribam road.

Two loaded trucks and a passenger vehicle were torched on Thursday by protesters supporting the bandh in the state. The 24-hour shutdown was jointly called by Zeliangrong civil bodies. Bandh supporters also inflicted damage on at least two passenger vehicles along the highway, but no human casualty was reported.

A government order said disciplinary action is being contemplated against the two sub-inspectors for dereliction of duties. The order also barred the two policemen from leaving their headquarters without permission.

Zeliangrong — a constituent of three Naga tribes, including Zemei, Rongmei and Liangmei — gave the shutdown call demanding arrests of NSCN-IM functionaries for alleged threats to Zeliangrong’s leaders life. The bandh was called from midnight of August 15 to 16.