IMPHAL, May 6: In the aftermath of the Pallel incident and amidst the subsequent curfew imposed under CrPc Section 144 by District Magistrate Thoubal in areas covering Kakching Lamkhai up to Pallel, locals of Pallel took out to the streets today demanding arrest of those involved in the unprovoked firing that killed one individual and left four injured.
According to reports, the protesters who were large in number confronted police near Pallel-Chandel crossing area. As they resisted retreating, police resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse them. Around seven persons including two women were hurt in the police action.
Despite strong attempts of the police to disperse them, the protesters did not retreat till late evening.
The injured persons have been identified as O Tombi, 50 of Pallel Khongnang Makhong; M Amujao, 24 of Pallel Maning Leikai; M Kengba, 25 of Pallel Khongnang Makhong; T Inakhunbi Leima, 52 of Pallel Doctor Maning; M Kiran, 35 of Pallel Maning Leikai; L Premjeet, 26 of Pallel Mayai Leikai and M Akash, 27 of Pallel Maning Leikai.
A team of police including SP Thoubal, K Radheshyam; SP Chandel, N Herojit and other top officers is being stationed at the area where the incident of firing took place to foil any unwanted activities.
Personnel of Thoubal Police Commando have also been stationed at Pallel as part of a strict security measure, reports stated.
Meanwhile, SDO Club Pallel has adopted a strong resolution of entering into Aimol village by locals of Pallel to pull up those involved in the fatal firing in case the perpetrators are not arrested by the police by May 6.
Addressing a press meet at Ibudhou Sengmai Ningthou and Ibudhou Nongpok Ningthou Shanglen at Pallel Laikon Leikai today, secretary of SDO Club Sachin Takhellambam Mangang claimed that there are eyewitnesses of the firing incident at the sacred Lai Haraoba site.
He identified the alleged shooters as Langshalel Aimol of Aimol Satu; Augustin Aimol of Aimol Chingnunghut and Mangthaliam Aimol of Aimol Chingnunghut.
Denouncing the indecent remarks passed by Pallel Police to the locals who went to file a complaint at Pallel Police Station following the incident, the club secretary appealed to the civil society organizations to extend help in arresting the perpetrators.
He cautioned that locals of Pallel will boycott Aimol people if the perpetrators are not handed over by the village authority at the earliest.
He also demanded the government to provide ex-gratia for the deceased and made it clear that Aimol people should refund the expenses incurred in observing the Lai Haraoba as it had been halted mid-way.