IMPHAL — Despite re-imposition of curfew in Imphal, students from different institutions continued to stage protests for the third consecutive day today to demand justice for two students, who were killed after they went missing in early July.
While a group of students staged a protest march at Heirok in Thoubal district, students of RIMS also staged a protest seeking justice for the two students.
Meanwhile, a group of students under the banner of six students’ bodies’ in Manipur also took to the streets of Tiddim in Imphal to demand justice for two students on Thursday.
The march of six students’ bodies including Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DSAM), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Students’ Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) started from Kwakeithel area after holding a meeting and returned after marching till the gate of Raj Bhavan in Imphal.
Manipur has been witnessing fresh protests that broke out in the state capital after the photographs of two students namely Luwangbi Linthoingambi Hijam (17) of Tera and Phijam Hemanjit (20) of Takyel, both residents of Imphal West district, who went missing since July 6 surfaced on the social media on Monday after the mobile interne service was restored.
The photographs on social media were apparently taken before and after they were killed.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Manipur’s valley districts, resulting in two days of impassioned protests by students and youth in and around the state capital, resulting in more than 100 people, mostly students, being injured.
As a result, the state authorities have re-imposed curfew in Imphal West, Imphal East and Thoubal districts since 4 pm on Wednesday, forcing markets in Imphal-the state capital, came to a standstill on Thursday besides prohibiting movement of persons outside their respective residences. However, there is no report of any unwanted incidents till the report goes to the press.
Meanwhile, condemnations are pouring against the killing of the two students and security forces’ alleged excess in dealing with the students protestors in the last few days.
Condemning the ‘brutal act’ of Rapid Action Force personnel by firing rubber bullets, tear gas shells, smoke bombs etc. against the students protestors in uniforms, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity-an umbrella body several organizations- demanded to take action against the rogue personnel.
The spokesperson of JD (U) Manipur unit, Nimaichand Luwang, representing ten like-minded opposition political-parties, strongly condemned the inhumane and brutal killing of the two innocent students and demanded justice for the two students.
Meanwhile, an IGP of Manipur police-led committee has been formed to verify complaints/ allegations of use of excess force by security forces during maintenance of the law and order situations in the last few days in Imphal area.
Also read: Students killing: Protests continue in Manipur, cars burnt, two BJP offices attacked
