IMPHAL, May 14: Manipur government has clamped an indefinite curfew in Patsoi area, as police have been unable to control acts of violence. The joint action committee formed regarding the death of two laborers called a statewide 24 hour general strike beginning midnight today. One life has been lost in the violence.
Visibly irked residents of Patsoi area condemning the murder of two masons by the KRF took out protests along the Jiribam-Imphal road since Wednesday. The mobs gathered in strength and burnt tires, wood, broke glasses, put boulders along the national highway 37 stretch from Patsoi till Keithelmanbi. Similar protest were carried out along Haorang Sabal area which comes under Lamshang police station. A church was also set ablaze at Patsoi lamkhai.
During the protests, at least five vehicles were set aflame at different areas by the agitating public. One fatality was confirmed by police during the riots. The incident happened when a shaktiman driver was passing by Khaidem area, which comes under Lamshang police station. The inter village road leading from Phayeng area is mainly a deserted road. There were four occupants riding in the lorry when they were accosted by strikers. According to sources, they were beaten up badly. The driver identifies as Semngam Haokip,40, son of Nehkam , a resident of K Songlung village sustained injuries in his head. He was rushed to RIMS hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Another victim, Nehcham, 32, son of Senthang Haokip is said to be in a critical state. The shaktiman was also burnt down later.
Due to the deteriorating law and order situation, the state government clamped down curfew from Patsoi to Keithelmanbi area, Haorang Sabal where the strikers were mainly concentrated. According to an order of DC , Imphal West, the stretch along the Jiri Imphal road from Langjing Jiri parking to Nongchup Keithelmanbi Chingkhong and all areas upto a distance of 1 km on both sides of the said stretch , movement of any person outside their residences is prohibited until further orders. The JAC formed in the regard held a meeting at Patsoi Tuliyaima Sanctuary Club and resolve to call a 24 hour general strike from today midnight. The demands included that the KRF cadres involved in the killing should be given fitting punishment and the compensation should be given to the family members of the deceased persons by the KRF, not from the state government. It also resolved to continue agitations with other organizations till demands are not met.
Owing to the situation, the NH 37 remained shut down and vehicular movement came to a standstill. Transport coming from Jiribam to Imphal and vice-versa was halted due to the agitation.