IMPHAL, August 6: A policeman was seriously injured when a smoke bomb targeted at a student’s rally demanding Inner Line Permit misfired and exploded near his face this afternoon.
Athokpam Herojit, 27, son of A Raghu, a personnel of the Wangoi Police officer in charge’s team was hit on the face by a smoke bomb misfired by another personnel at Yumnam Leikai, while trying to control students of Manipur College.
Herojit, who is from Samurou Naorem Chakprou Leikai, was rushed to the hospital immediately.
Students continue to take out rallies demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit in the State today, even as an all-political party meeting to discuss the issue was underway at the Chief Minister’s office chamber this evening.
A large number of Manipur College students took out a rally trying to proceed towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow, but were stopped by the police at Yumnam Leikai.
Students were heard shouting slogans demanding ILP implementation in the State.
Police fired several rounds of smoke bombs and tear gas shells in their effort to control the demonstrating students.
The firing of the tear gas shells and smoke bombs also created chaos amongst the smaller students studying in schools located in the area.
Students of other schools and colleges also took out rallies under the aegis of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, students’ wing.
Ram Lal Paul School students also took out a similar rally, which was controlled by the police in front of the school gate.
GP Women’s college students also took out a rally.
Several students were also injured during different agitations demanding implementation of ILP in the State today.
Five of the injured have been identified as BA 5th semester student of GP Women’s College Khwairakpam Sushma, daughter of Khwairakpam Merena of Kongba Bazar, BA 1st year student Naorem Gopeshor son of Inaobi of Mayang Imphal, Chabung Copeny Leikai, BA III semester, GP Women’s College student Jenny Kom daughter of Akhup Kom of Maibung Kom, B Sc 1st semester, Manipur College student Thounaojam Sunder son of Thounaojam Nandeshori of Konjeng and Bsc III semester, Manipur College student Ranjana Phamdom daughter of Jila Phamdon of Thangju.
While the first three have been admitted at RIMS, the other three were admitted at the Iboyaima Hospital in Singjamei.
Meanwhile, according to a statement of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, sit in protests were also staged at different places today.
It said sit in protest were held at Iroisemba Lambi Khongnag makhong, Luker, Salam bazar board Mamang leikai, Khamaram (Kameng Mamang), Iroisemba community hall, Nambol Kha Jiri, Nachou, Nambol Kamong Maisnam Leikai community hall, Nambol Kamong Maisnam Leikai Maning, Nambol Kamong Langoljam, Nambol Naorem, Kumbi, Hapta Golapati opp oil pump, Naharup Mayai Leikai, Mahaballi Kabui villagers near the Advance Hospital, Pureiromba Nongpok Ingkhol, Konung mang, Khabam Lamkhai, Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, Sugunu, etc.
Our Bishnupur Correspondent adds: Students from six schools of Kumbi and its surrounding areas today took out a joint rally under the JCILPS demanding implementation of the ILP in the State.
Students from Kumbi High School, Sanatombi Oriental School, Shamballei Sekpil School, YP School, Ideal School and Sandong primary School converged at the Kumbi bazar.
The rally started from the bazar area and after reaching Kumbi Terakha returned back to the bazar area.
The students shouted slogans demanding ILP implementation, clarification on the silence of the MLAs during the recent Budget session, public representatives should step down on moral grounds, etc.