Curfew Reimposed In Imphal After Protesters Try To Storm Police Stations

A curfew which was relaxed in the twin districts of Imphal from 5 am to 9 pm for the people to buy essential items has been reimposed from Thursday after some protestors tried to storm the police stations and court arrest demanding the unconditional release of the five youths.

The statement also stated that all persons belonging to essential services such as the Health, PHED, Munical Officials/Staff, Power (MSPDCL/MSPCL), Media personnel, schools/colleges and functioning of Courts, should be exempted from further imposition of curfew after the expiry of the said period.

More than 10 people were injured after tear gas was fired by the security forces of Manipur and RAF personnel. The tear gas was fired to control the crowd.

Reportedly several protesters raised slogans and tried to enter the Porompat police station, and Andro police station in Imphal East, Singjamei police station and Kwakeithel police outpost, and Mayang Imphal police station in Imphal West district.

Earlier today many women protestors attempted to storm their nearby police stations demanding to release of five arrested village defence volunteers by Manipur Police.

"We were left with no option but to court arrest as the government failed to release the five village volunteers. If such village volunteers are arrested, who will protect the Meitei villages in the periphery of the hills and the valley Kuki Zo militants," PTI quoted a protester at Porompat as saying.

"Curfew hours, which was relaxed from 5am to 9pm on September 21, stands withdrawn with effect from 5pm and restriction of movement of general public outside their residences is enforced in all areas of Imphal West district," an official order by the district magistrate of Imphal West read.

Earlier on September 16, five persons were arrested for carrying sophisticated weapons and donning camouflage uniforms by Manipur police. According to the police, all five men had been produced before the judicial magistrate and remanded to police custody.