Curfew in Manipur town after arson

Imphal, May 2

Indefinite curfew was imposed in Wangkhei Hijam Leikai town of Manipur after residents and followers of a self-styled godman clashed on Monday.

At least six people were injured in the clash, in which 30 vehicles, including cars and auto-rickshaws, were damaged. As many as 13 vehicles were burnt.

Imphal East District Magistrate M Joy ordered curfew after the clash near a temple of self-styled godman Hijam Ratan, alias Panthou, this morning. Official reports said the situation was tense but under control. Police in riot gear were patrolling trouble-prone areas.

This was the second clash between residents and the godman’s henchmen. Earlier, the godman had allegedly tried to grab a plot near the temple on which an office of local women vigilantes is located. After the first clash, residents laid siege to the temple.

Though people urged early resolution of the issue, the government failed to intervene. Residents alleged 43 dance students were held as human shields at the temple against their wishes. However, the godman’s supporters denied the allegation, saying the children were staying there of their own will.

On Monday, the children’s parents came there to take them back home. When local TV channels were asked to speak to the children, the godman’s supporters objected, following which a clash broke out. Some under-construction buildings were also targeted by arsonists, but fire tenders doused the blaze. — IANS