Five policemen suspended in Manipur

Imphal, Mar 5 (UNI) The Manipur Government has suspended five policemen for their alleged involvement in the harassment of a girl in police custody for almost ten days.

Official sources said here today that the state government had also transferred all senior level police officials of the district.

The District Magistrate of Thoubal had also announced that taking statements from the affected people will begin from March 9.

The stale had witnessed violent agitation after M Naobi, a girl of Thoubal district, was apprehended for allegedly having an affair with a PLA militant, involved in the killing of four policemen on February 20. The girl after being released stated that she was stripped and molested and beaten up badly.

A general strike, called yesterday to protest thet police action, was marked by violence, arson and burning of office complexes and effigy of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.

Officials said the state Cabinet met last evening and took a decision to suspend five policemen.

The Superintendent of Police of Thoubal district was transferred and the Bishenpur SP was asked to take charge of Thoubal. Some other minor changes were also effected by the Home department.

The District Magistrate of Thoubal district had also issued an order asking all to file statements on the issue by March 8 so that the probe process might begin on March 9. The Chief Secretary, Manipur, had ordered the DM to conduct an enquiry and to complete the formalities within one month.

Meanwhile, the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), a militant organisation, had blasted the civil organisations for calling a strike yesterday when the examinations were going on.

The KYKL said it supported the movement against harassment of the girl but was opposed to calling strike when examination was going on.

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