IMPHAL: The government has intensified security in and around Imphal, ahead of the demonstration called for Monday by Apunba Lup to condemn the killing of two persons in the “fake encounter” here on July 23.
Heavily armed police personnel are patrolling trouble-prone areas, following reports that a torchlight procession may be taken out.
Apunba Lup said the demonstrators would submit a memorandum to Governor Gurubachand Jagat, demanding the dismissal of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and punishment to the commandos allegedly involved in the encounter, in which five persons were also injured.
Several women’s organisations have extended support to the demonstration.
The indefinite curfew may not be relaxed on Monday. For the past two days, it was relaxed for seven hours, from 5 a.m. when protests were staged at several places. Once the relaxation ended by noon, police dispersed agitators, who torched the effigies of Mr. Ibobi Singh and Director-General of Police Yumnam Joykumar.
The All-Manipur College Teachers’ Association said in a statement that all educational institutions remained closed, though examinations were to begin from August 17 in many schools and colleges. It demanded immediate lifting of the curfew.
Financial assistance Leaders of the Opposition Manipur People’s Party visited the house of Chungkham Sanjit, who was killed in the encounter. Party president Nimaichand Luwang handed over financial assistance to the bereaved family. He said a book listing the victims of and circumstances leading to encounters in Manipur would be brought out.