From John K. Kaping
UKHRUL, December 17: Police today fired randomly in Ukhrul during the one hour public curfew after the arrest of the All Naga Students` Association Manipur`s (ANSAM) general secretary and president Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong Seth Sthatsang, Yangmi Khapai today. The incident happened after a short misunderstanding scuffle between the Ukhrul district police and the student leaders who tried to close or locked the main entrance gate of Ukhrul Mini Secretariat and also the main entry/exit of the Ukhrul Police. The SDPO Ukhrul, Wungpam Kasar opened fire in the air and at the ground (black topped road) mostly gathered by the TKS curfew supporters and arrested the two leaders who were released later. The Ukhrul police also opened random blank firing after a huge public gathered after the incident to disperse the mob.
There was a public dilemma amongst the scores of people engaged in Christmas marketing due to the firing and sudden loud speaker publicity by the TKS mobilizing to come out public with spears and knives as the Ukhrul police arrested the leaders without any reason and publicised to close down all shops immediately.
Meantime, a joint meeting at Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner office with the DC Ukhrul Sudhan R IAS on the chair was held with the representation of the Tangkhul frontal organization leaders who tabled the DC Ukhrul to take befitting action against the police personnel involved in the incident in which the DC Ukhrul promised to take necessary steps or actions as per the laws. On the other hand the leaders demanded DC Ukhrul to take the actions within 48-hour-time.