Imphal: Protests turned violent as police burst tear gas shells to disperse agitated locals during the first day of the indefinite statewide bandh called by a film body demanding the arrest of an NSCN-IM ultra who allegedly molested a Manipuri film actress at a public function. Sources said supporters of the strike, called by the Manipur Film Forum (MFF), pelted stones at plying vehicles defying the bandh and damaged a police van in Imphal.
Burning of tyres and blocking of roads were reported from many places in East and West Imphal districts, sources said, adding that bandh supporters were also not allowing people to come out from their homes. Life in Manipur was crippled as all shops, markets, business and entertainment houses remained closed while transport services were cancelled.
The decision to call the bandh was taken last evening because the chief minister and state leaders had not taken concrete steps to arrest self-styled Lt Col of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) Livingstone Anal who molested film actress Momoka in public view while she was compering a song competition at Chandel district on December 18, a MFF spokesman said. Livingstone also opened fire at two artists who tried to rescue Momoka but the bullets missed, according to a MFF memorandum submitted to the state government. Various major social organisations including United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs Organisations and several other women organisations have extended their support to the indefinite bandh.
Curfew was imposed at night in two districts in Manipur as violence escalated on the first day of an indefinite bandh. Official sources said curfew was imposed in Imphal East and Imphal East districts from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am on Sunday in view of the violence which left nine persons injured. Imphal town lies between the two districts separated by the Imphal river. The sources said the curfew could be extended if the situation further deteriorates.
They said the police burst tear gas shells and fired rubber bullets at Sagolband area near here when bandh supporters turned violent, injuring four persons including a woman. Five others were injured in police action elsewhere. They said supporters of the bandh, called by the Manipur Film Forum (MFF) burnt tyres and blocked roads at various places, pelted stones at vehicles and damaged a police van in Imphal.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh left for Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for the arrest of self-styled NSCN(IM) Lt Col Livingstone Anal, who molested Momoko.
The sources said NSCN-IM members could not be arrested as the outfit was engaged in peace talks with the Centre after signing a ceasefire agreement about 14 years ago although it was in force only in Nagaland. All shops, markets, business establishments and entertainment houses remained closed while transport services were cancelled.
Official reports from the districts particularly in the valley said police forces were deployed at various points as bandh supporters demanded immediate arrest of the militant. (PTI)
