Two people, including a Manipur police officer, were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly pelting stones at security forces, while they were protesting against the killing of two children in a recent bomb blast in Manipur, along National Highway 02 (Imphal-Dimapur Road) in Imphal East district, officials familiar with the matter said.
The police said those arrested were Thodam Jogendro Singh, a police officer, and Bukhrambam Imo Chinglimba, both residents of Tingri Makha Likai. They added that they were involved in burning debris on the road at the Quirinji crossing and targeting security forces with slingshots and stones.
Separately, a person was injured by bullets after security forces allegedly opened fire when a crowd advanced towards Manipur Chief Minister Y Kemchand Singh’s program venue in Thoubal district.
The incident occurred in Hierok Village, where the protesters moved towards Wangjing Tintha, where the Prime Minister was scheduled to inaugurate the newly constructed Parks Development Office.
Police said that the protesters blocked National Highway 102 (India-Myanmar Road), disrupting movement. The Prime Minister reached the spot by helicopter from Imphal, while his convoy moved by road amid the siege. Despite the protests, he opened the BDO, stating that it would strengthen grassroots administration and improve public service delivery.
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According to a police statement, “A large group armed with stones and catapults advanced towards the concert site with the clear intention of vandalizing the building. Despite repeated warnings, the crowd continued to move aggressively, posing a threat to public property and law and order.”
Police said minimal force was initially used, and a controlled shooting was carried out as a last resort. During the fighting, Ilangbam Nandbir Singh (40), a member of the village defense force from Hiruk Ilangbam Lirak Part 2, was hit by a bullet. He was taken to a private hospital in Imphal, where doctors said surgery was performed after the bullet entered his abdomen.
Police said the situation was later under control.
Meanwhile, Kangpokpi District Magistrate Mahesh Chaudhary imposed a complete indefinite curfew across the district from 6pm on Tuesday, citing concerns of threats to life and property in areas including S Chanupong and T Khulin villages along NH-02.
