IMPHAL, May 31: As announced by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, torch rallies were taken out at different places across the Manipur valley. Large groups of womenfolk took out torch rallies from Kongba, Wangkhei and Nongmeibung, before they merged together at Konung Mamang traffic island.
There they were blocked by police from proceeding any further which resulted in a scuffle between the two sides. In their attempt to breach the police barricade, the marchers pushed and kicked the barricades. While police resorted to firing tear gas shells, the marchers retaliated by pelting stones. Similar rallies were taken out along Tiddim Road, Indo-Burma Road at Singjamei, Wahengbam Leikai, Khurai, Lairikyengbam Leikai, Khoyathong/Thangmeiband and Laipham Khunou.
Earlier in the day a group of college students today closed the main entrance gate of Education (U) office complex located a few distance away from Raj Bhavan. At around noon, some students suddenly gathered in front of the office complex holding pro-ILPS placards and shouting slogans closed the main entrance gate. The students then put up placards in front of the gate. The police personnel who were on duty at BJP Manipur Pradesh gate and another police team led by Imphal West Additional SP (Law and Order) S Ibomcha came there and prevented the students from staging their protest.
Although a brief confrontation took place between the police and students, the situation was brought under control after some students were arrested and taken away to Imphal police station. Later, the police opened the gate of the office complex. Confrontation between rallyists and police continued till late night at Singjamei Chingamakhong area. Police fired several rounds of teargas shells and mock bombs to disperse the rallyists.
