At least 34 Students Injured In Manipur’s Protest Over Student Killings; Internet Ban Re-Imposed (image: Representational)
At least 34 students were injured in the clash between security forces and students during the protest erupted against the killing of two students by unidentified miscreants. The injured students were taken to hospitals.
As per report, security forces deployed smoke bombs and tear gas shells after the raging students attempted to march towards Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh”s residence.
The protest aroused as photographs of two missing students, 17 year old Hijam Linthoingambi (girl) and 20 year old Phijam Hemjit, started circulating through social media. The students went missing on July 6 while the ethnic violence in the state was at its peak. Families of the deceased students suspect the involvement of armed assailants.
Following the unrest, an official statement from the government said, “In response to this distressing situation, the government assures the public that a swift and decisive action will be taken against all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi. The government is committed to ensure justice for the victims and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrator found responsible for this heinous crime”.
The government also re-imposed ban on the internet for five days till October 1. It was only on Saturday the government lifted the internet ban which came into action since May, as soon as the ethnic violence started escalating.
Following the protest, Meyengbam Veto Singh, Joint Secretary (home) said in a notification, “In view of the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, the state government views very seriously, with utmost sensitivity, the reported spread of disinformation, rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platform such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. On electronic equipment like tablet, computer, mobile phone etc., along with sending of bulk SMS facilitating mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which may cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property or aggravates the law and order situation in the states.”
The notification also stated any person found guilty of violating the order may liable for the legal actions.
With inputs from agencies.
