IMPHAL, July 14: Taking strong exception to the alleged shoot at sight order given by Chief Minister to police to protestors of Yairipok area, who took out rally and burnt effigies of Ministers in support of the 14-hour called by JCILPS today in pursuance of the demand for ILPS implementation in the state, locals of Yairipok area have decided to impose indefinite general strike in the area from today.
The enraged locals have also decided to boycott MLA of Wangkhem Constituency K Meghachandra indefinitely.
A peace rally was taken out by locals of Yairipok area this evening in solidarity to the collective demand for ILPS introduction in the state. During the rally, the protestors were threatened by a team of police led by SDPO Yairipok and OC Yairipok Police Station, saying that they were told by the CM to shoot those who took part in the rally in support of JCILPS.
When the protestors went to meet MLA Meghachandra to enquire about the order, they were prevented from doing so by OC Yairipok PS, who said that the MLA has not given order to meet them.
The rally was taken out by carrying coffin of CM towards Yairipok Bazar. However, they were stopped by police and snatched the coffin from them. There, a heated scuffle broke out between them.
As the protestors mainly from Yairipok Thong Wangma Laimanai, Yairipok Bamol Leikai and Yairipok Bishnunaha refused to retreat, police resorted to firing rubber bullet and mock bomb to disperse them.
In retaliation, the irate protestors pelted stones towards the police. Later, they marched towards the residence of MLA Meghachandra but they were stopped near Yairipok Bishnunaha Pukhri Achouba Mapal.
When they resisted retreating, police fired tear gas shell, rubber bullet and mock bomb in their bid to disperse them. Fumed at the police action, the protestors pelted stones with some using catapults.
The face-off between the protestors and police lasted till 5.30 pm. However, no one was injured in the confrontation.
Later, additional police forces came in and dispersed the protestors.