IMPHA, July 8: A class XI student was killed in a police crackdown against a student rally demanding withdrawal of The Regulation of Visitor, Tenant and Migrant Bill 2015 and implementation of a more appropriate Act to check the rampant influx of non-locals in the State, bringing the State capital to an abrupt stop this evening.
The dead student has been identified as Sapam Robinhood, 16, son of Romesh of Keishamthong Thangjam Leirak and presently residing at his mother`™s home at Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai, a student of class XI `“Science, Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School.
Following the death of the student, mass public protest and outcry were witnessed in almost every part of Imphal, which led to the imposition of indefinite curfew in Imphal West and Imphal East districts and immediate temporary closure of schools in Imphal area.
Around noon today, hundreds of students from various schools spearheaded by the JCILPS students unit took out a rally starting from Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School.
The demonstrating students who were shouting slogans in demand of the ILPS implementation in the State marched towards the Assembly complex at Chingmeirong where the budget session is currently going on, but were stopped at Hatta Minuthong by a strong police team.
As a confrontation took place between the students and the police, the latter resorted to lathi-charging, shooting rubber bullets, mock bombs and tear gas shells towards the students.
Robinhood was hit by a tear gas shell on his left cheek and was rushed to the nearby Public Hospital, Hatta Golapati but was soon referred to Raj Medicity as his condition deteriorated; however, he died shortly after admission to the hospital.
At the same time, students from other schools of Imphal West including Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School, Tamphasana Girls Higher Secondary School, Churachand Higher Secondary School, Modern Academy Higher Secondary School took out similar rallies and tried to marched towards the Assembly, but were stopped by the police at different places.
Police lathi charged the student demonstrators leaving several students including girl students injured.
The injured students were taken to different hospitals of the State.
Meanwhile, infuriated by the death of Robinhood, angry students of Ananda Higher Secondary School pelted stones at the Porompat Police Station and damaged police property.
Students of CC Higher Secondary School students also came held a rally but were stopped by the police at Palace gate.
Meanwhile, till late night, protestors came out burn tyres blocking roads.
A meira rally was also taken out at Nongmeibung area this late evening.