Protesters: Curfew back in Imphal as mobs try to storm thanas, 15 hurt

GUWAHATI: At least 15 people were wounded in Manipur’s Imphal valley on Thursday as protesters clashed with security forces when they tried to storm police stations and court arrest, demanding the unconditional release of five men arrested on Saturday for impersonating policemen and carrying firearms.
As a precautionary measure, the state government clamped total curfew in Imphal East and Imphal Westdistricts.The curfew relaxation hours, which were in effect from 5am to 9pm on Thursday, were withdrawn from 5pm, and restrictions on movement were enforced in all areas of the two adjoining valley districts.

The protesters, responding to a call by six local clubs and Meira Paibis (women activists), demonstrated by holding placards and shouting slogans while attempting to enter Andro and Porompat police stations in Imphal East, and Singjamei, Kwakeithel and Mayang Imphal police outposts in Imphal West district.

They demanded the release of the five arrested men, claiming that they were village defence volunteers.
In response, police and RAF personnel used tear gas shells to disperse the crowds. The five men remain in police custody. According to police, one of them is a trained member of a banned militant outfit of the state, while another is a drug addict running a rehabilitation centre.
Eralier, normal life in the Imphal valley was paralysed by a 48-hour bandh called by Meira Paibis and local clubs, demanding the release of the arrested men. The bandh ended Wednesday. The organisations asked people to assemble at their nearest police station on Thursday.

Security forces conducted search operations in various districts, recovering arms and ammunition, including mortar shells. A joint team of Assam Rifles and state police seized four mortar bombs hidden in bushes during a search in Kangpokpi district.
“Search operations were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts in which one arm, two local pumpi guns, 50 ammunition and eight explosives were recovered from Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts,” the police tweeted.
Police have installed 127 checkpoints in the valley and hill districts and detained 873 people on Wednesday for violating rules. Strict security measures have been implemented in vulnerable locations, and security convoys are providing safe passage for vehicles in sensitive areas.

HC cuts fine on two convicted rebels, paves way for release
Delhi high court on Thursday reduced the fine imposed on two convicted members of Manipur-based terrorist organisation Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), who had pleaded guilty in a terror case, saying their admission of guilt is a clear indication of possibility of reform.
Paving the way for their release after seven years behind bars, HC reduced the fine from Rs 39,000 to Rs 9,000 each, imposed on convicts Khoiram Ranjit Singh and Pukhrihongam Prem Kumar Meiti after taking note that their families are not in a financial position to pay the entire amount as a result of which the duo will have no alternative but undergo default sentence of additional 30 months.
A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Anish Dayal said there is no reason why they are being penalised for their poor financial condition since that has no relation to the sentence undergone for the offences they were convicted of.