Five killed, 27 injured in Manipur violence

Imphal, September 1

Five people have so far been killed and 27 others injured in a spate of violence that began on  Monday at Manipur's Churachandpur town during a 12-hour bandh called by tribal student organisations in protest of three Bills passed by the Assembly. Curfew remained in force as the town continued to be volatile. 

Charred remains of a body were uncovered from under the debris at the residence of Henglep MLA Manga Vaiphei, whose house was one of the nine set ablaze late on Monday evening,  a police officer said on Tuesday.

Three bullet-riddled bodies were found in Churachandpur town on Monday.

Besides, vaiphei's house, residences of MP of Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat Thangso Baite, Manipur Minister-in-charge of Family Welfare Phungzaphang Tonsimg, and four other MLAs, including Vungzagin Valte of Thanlom, were set on fire in the Churachandpur town on Monday evening.    

Medics at the Churachandpur district hospital reported that some 20 people were admitted to the hospital after Monday’s violence. Seven had already been discharged after first-aid.

District administration has extended its curfew indefinitely.

Manipur Assembly passed three Bills — Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh amendment) Bill, 2015, and Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 — on Monday, which triggered the violence. — PTI