Manipur violence: Thousands of protestors gathered at Phougakchao Ikhai.

Hundreds of protesters gathered at Phougakchao Ikhai in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on September 6 to push back Army Barricade situated at Phougakchao Ikhai with an attempt to reach deserted houses in Torbung under Bishnupur district which is some kilometre away from Churachandpur.

During the protest, at least 80 protestors were injured including one journalist after security forces fired tear gas shells, and mock bombs to control the mob.

People started gathering in the place in the early morning. A large number of security forces both state and central forces were deployed in the area. Along with this full curfew was imposed in five valley districts as a preventive measure. However braving the curfew, many protestors from various places thronged at Phougakchao Ikhai.  

Tension was palpable in the area, with security forces comprising personnel of RAF, the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police firing tear gas shells to bring the situation under control.

The protesters demanded that they should allow to visit Torbung, the place where Meitei people were displaced following the ethnic clashes since May. There was an argument between forces and protestors for quite a long time. To keep the situation under control, security forces later fired tear gas shell, mock bomb to disperse them.

It may be mentioned that COCOMI, an umbrella organisation of Manipur had served the ultimatum to remove the army barricade from Phougakchao Ikhai on or before August 30. However, authorities concerned fail to materialise the demand. Condemning such an irresponsible act of concerned authority, today’s movement was carried out in association with the people of the state.