Fresh violence erupted in Manipur as mobs attempted to breach police
stations following the arrest of five individuals on Thursday.
Protesters clashed with security forces, demanding the release of
the detained village volunteers. As a result of 15 people being injured, a
curfew was imposed once again in Imphal.
The demonstration was led by members of the Meitei community, and
it notably involved a significant number of women participants.
During the clashes, at least 10 people sustained injuries,
prompting the government to revoke the curfew relaxation in the twin districts
of Imphal from 5 pm.
The protest, held in response to a call from six local clubs and
Meira Paibis, saw hundreds of demonstrators carrying placards and chanting
slogans.
They sought to enter multiple police stations, including Porompat
in Imphal East and Singjamei and Kwakeithel in Imphal West district.
In response, law enforcement personnel, including police and RAF
forces, deployed multiple rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Manipur files status report in Supreme Court
The Manipur Government informed the Supreme Court that it has
submitted a status report regarding the recovery of arms from “all sources”
amidst the ethnic violence that has gripped the State.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta conveyed to a Bench led by Chief
Justice DY Chandrachud that the report has been submitted and is exclusively
meant for the judges.
He apprised the Bench, which also included Justices JB Pardiwala
and Manoj Misra, about another brief affidavit related to the matter.
Mehta apprised the Bench that the affidavit states, “All the issues
under discussion here have already been brought to the attention of the
committee appointed by the apex court,” and that the committee is actively
considering them.
Previously, the Supreme Court had appointed a committee of judges,
presided over by Justice (retd) Gita Mittal, to oversee the relief and
rehabilitation efforts for victims of ethnic violence in the State.
Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the petitioners, informed the Bench
that the bodies of two women, who were subjected to sexual assault and murder
in Manipur in May have not yet been handed over to their families.
Mehta responded that the committee appointed by the Supreme Court
had already taken note of this and issued directives to the relevant
authorities.
The Bench scheduled the next hearing for September 25.
Agencies
