Imphal:

The Manipur Police on Sunday expressed concern over the use of sophisticated weapons to target security personnel during protests and urged people to refrain from using such means to make their point.

“We want to remind the public that the police department’s duty is to maintain law and order and to respond to armed attacks by miscreants. We have sustained multiple casualties during these challenging times,” Deputy Inspector General (Range 1) N Herojit Singh told reporters.

“In recent agitations, traditional forms of protests have been replaced with lethal methods targeting security forces. Demonstrators have engaged in stone-throwing, shooting iron pieces from slingshots, firing tear gas shells, and using automatic firearms,” Mr Singh said, highlighting the shift in protest tactics.

“We have evidence of automatic weapons being fired during protests. At Khabeisoi, firing from automatic weapons injured an officer in-charge of Imphal East Commando and another policeman recently. In Kakwa, Imphal West district, firing from automatic weapons left bullet marks on our vehicles,” he said.

“We want to say that police forces use maximum restraint when dealing with protesters. Although there has been no retaliation from police in response to automatic weapon fire, we have reports of protesters getting injured when we use minimal, non-lethal anti-riot measures,” the officer said.

He said the police have detained people who come from other localities to participate in sabotage during protests. “During protests, we have detained people from outside localities. We urge people to use democratic and non-violent methods for their demands. Entering highly sensitive areas and destroying public property will be met with strong measures. Police are part of the community and not the enemy. Protests aimed primarily at targeting and attacking the police should cease immediately,” Mr Singh said.

He requested the media to avoid live coverage of protests, which can incite others to join.

“Without law and order, society cannot function. If conventional methods to maintain law and order fail and alternative measures are used, it will be unfortunate for everyone,” he said.

Superintendent of Police (Imphal West) Ksh Shivakanta Singh said they have seen situations where locals cooperated with the police and persuaded demonstrators to avoid violence.

“We urge community elders to help restrain those who come to protests under the influence of alcohol and engage in violent behaviour. Cooperation will help us manage the situation more effectively,” he said.

Guwahati:

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a top body of the Meitei community, on Friday called a “public emergency” and urged the people to remain indoors, claiming “the government failed to provide security to the common people”.

COCOMI coordinator Thokchom Somorendro, announcing the “public emergency” on Friday, said all schools, colleges and educational institutions must be shut indefinitely till the “situation improves”.

He said the security forces had totally failed in discharging their duty and combating Kuki militants.

“Now, the public have to secure themselves. We have declared a public emergency immediately. Because it has now become unsafe for the public to move outdoors,” the COCOMI leader told the media.

Earlier on Friday, thousands of men and women in five districts of Imphal Valley took part in a human chain rally to protest the recent drone and gun attacks in Manipur that killed three people, including a 31-year-old woman and injured 17 others, including the woman’s minor daughter.

Carrying placards and banners, participants in the human chain expressed their discontent over the government’s steps in dealing with Kuki militants.

An elderly man who was offering prayers was killed in a rocket-propelled bomb attack in Manipur’s Moirang town today, the police said. Five others including a 13-year-old girl were injured in the attack on the lakeside town in Bishnupur district, 35 km from the state capital Imphal. She is the second minor injured in attacks in the last five days. The first minor was injured in a drone attack by suspected Kuki insurgents on Sunday, the police and the home department had said.

Guwahati:

After days of lull, fresh exchange of heavy fire has been reported from the border area of Kuki-dominated Churachandpur and Meitei-dominated Bishnupur districts.

Manipur Police said two persons died in the firing in villages adjoining Naransena. Seven people sustained bullet or splinter injuries. District Police, Assam Rifles, Army and Central forces deployed in the area responded and brought the situation under control, the police said.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum claimed a village volunteer was killed in firing at villages around Khoirentak area today. He has been identified as 30-year-old Jangminlun Gangte.

Heavy gunbattle is on between Khoirentak and Thinunggei area, sources added.

In another incident, a farmer was shot at by suspected militants from the foothills, sources added.

Salam Jotin, 40, son of Iboton — a resident of Naransena Ward number 8 — was shot while attending his paddy field at Thinungei Maning Leikai this morning.

He sustained bullet wounds on his chest and is receiving medical treatment at private hospital in Imphal. Doctors said his condition is serious.

Over 140 people have died in Manipur since violence flared up in the northeastern state in May.