“Amid the protests, there were incidents of firing from amongst the protesters towards the security forces, to which the security forces retaliated,” the police claimed. “Due to heavy pelting of stones, use of catapults and random firing by armed miscreants from amongst the protesters, 27 security forces personnel suffered injuries, including two critical injuries,” the police said. “The security forces showed tremendous restraint while trying to control the unruly and violent mob and used minimum force to control and counter the anti-social elements. During the skirmish, 16 protesters were reportedly injured and one protester succumbed to injuries,” it claimed. According to the police, it all started when a Manipur State Transport bus plied along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, a mob started pelting the vehicle with stones at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district prompting security forces to use tear gas and minimum force to disperse the crowd.The protest was also directed against a march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation.The procession, involving over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi district.Police claimed that the procession was stopped as those taking it out did not have requisite permission.Shah had on March 1 directed security forces to ensure free movement of people on all routes in Manipur from March 8 and also called for strict action against those creating obstructions.The order bore significance as unhindered travel throughout the state has remained affected since ethnic violence broke out between the two communities in May 2023.The violence left over 250 people killed and thousands homeless since then.The Centre had imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post leading to political uncertainty in the northeastern state.The Manipur Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had on February 20 urged the people of the state to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring no punitive action would be initiated against those giving up arms during this period.He later extended the deadline till 4 pm on March 6, following demands by people from both hill and valley areas for additional time.
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