COCOMI defying curfew restrictions imposed by the Bishnupur district administration demonstrated at Phougakchao Ikhai

KalimNews, Imphal, 6 September 2023: In a significant turnout, thousands of individuals gathered at Phougakchao Ikhai in the Bishnupur district, bordering Churachandpur district, in response to a call by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). Their objective was to urge the withdrawal of central forces from the Churachandpur district. During the gathering, which defied curfew restrictions imposed by the

Bishnupur district administration, approximately 30 people, including a journalist, suffered injuries due to police actions.

Despite strict measures enforced by the police from the Malom area along the Tiddim road to deter people from reaching Phougakchao Ikhai from Imphal, many managed to approach the area from alternate directions. Although a determined state police contingent attempted to halt the crowd at Moirang Lamkhai, the protesters confronted them and ultimately crossed the barrier. Tear gas was deployed by the police but failed to disperse the determined crowd. Subsequently, a robust team of Central Paramilitary forces prevented their progress at Phougakchao Ikhai.

COCOMI leaders, including convenor Jeetendra Ningombam, were present during the protest and made efforts to engage with representatives of both Central and state forces at the scene. Subsequently, a large group of protesters attempted to breach army barricades, seeking access to their abandoned homes in Torbung.

Tension remained high in the area, with security forces, comprising personnel from the RAF, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police, employing tear gas shells to regain control of the situation. The protesters, however, remained steadfast, demanding permission to visit Torbung in the district, where they had been displaced due to ethnic clashes since May.

Reports received late in the evening indicated that at least 30 individuals, including a journalist, sustained injuries when police fired tear gas shells and mock bombs in response to negotiations between COCOMI representatives and the police and paramilitary forces.