Violence marks Manipur bandh

Imphal, Feb 28: Violence marked the bandh called in Manipur yesterday to protest against the alleged arrest of a girl by the Thoubal police.

The Joint Action Committee had called a 24-hour general strike in Manipur yesterday in protest against the alleged torture and arrest of the girl, Maibam Naobi. She was allegedly arrested for having an affair with Vikas, a cadre of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which was involved in the killing of four police personnel at Thoubal bazar.

The police reported attempts to burn government offices last night. The car of the settlement director was set afire at Imphal earlier in the day.

Bandh supporters burnt effigies of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and set ablaze the veterinary office at Imphal east and the Irrigation and Flood Control office at Lamphel.

A large number of organisations have also appealed for the girl's release and demanded action against the police for not issuing an arrest memo and for non-compliance of procedures.

UNI