One person sustained bullet wounds after security forces allegedly opened fire when a mob advanced towards the venue of Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh's programme in Thoubal district
Share
IMPHAL — One person sustained bullet wounds after security forces allegedly opened fire when a mob advanced towards the venue of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh's programme in Thoubal district on Tuesday, police said.
The incident took place during the CM's visit to Wangjing Tentha for the inauguration of a newly-constructed Block Development Office (BDO), they said.
A large group of people armed with stones and catapults was heading towards the function with the "apparent intention of vandalising the building", police said in a statement.
"Despite repeated warnings and appeals by police personnel to disperse, the crowd continued to move aggressively, posing a serious threat to public property, dignitaries present, and overall law and order," the statement said.
Police said minimum necessary force was initially used, and when the situation escalated, controlled firing was carried out as a last resort in accordance with established protocols.
Also read: Manipur government orders action against absent staff during shutdown
Manipur shutdowns hit life in both valley, hill regions; 21 arrested after violence
During the action, Elangbam Nandbir Singh (40), a resident of Heirok Part II Elangbam Leirak and presently serving as a Village Defence Force personnel, sustained injuries, police said.
"The situation was subsequently brought under control, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of all concerned," the statement said.
Addressing the programme at Wangjing Tentha, the CM said that while he faced no hurdles in travelling to the hills, he was surprised to see opposition to his visit to the valley district.
"I recently visited many hill districts, and there was no opposition to my visit there. But, I am surprised by the protest in Thoubal district," he said, stressing that differences can be sorted out through talks.
Recalling the killing of two children in Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district on April 7, he said all the demands of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed by locals in response to the incident, would be fulfilled.
"The government is also considering arranging suitable government jobs for the parents of the victims," he said.
"This is a positive gesture from the government in the hope that the parents, who are staying separately, could be soothed a little," he said, asserting that, however, the administration was not in for a "bargain".
Expressing resentment over the five-day total shutdown called by some groups in response to the incident, the CM said that "such unwarranted and senseless activities" create confusion among the public, and sometimes the "government feels sorry for such a situation".
Officials said the chief minister travelled to a nearby central force camp after the programme and returned to Imphal by helicopter.
Earlier in the day, protesters in the district blocked the road to Wangjing Tentha to enforce the ongoing shutdown.
Singh also said the new BDO office would strengthen grassroots administration and improve governance in the region.
"The new office will enhance transparency, accountability and administrative efficiency, ensuring better and timely delivery of public services," he said, adding that the government remained committed to building a responsive and result-oriented administrative system.