IDPs Stage Protest in Imphal; Police Response Leads to Clashes and Injuries

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Moreh, Churachandpur, and other peripheral areas of Manipur staged a protest rally today, demanding the government facilitate their return to their homes. The IDPs, currently residing in relief centers, expressed their frustration over the government's inaction in restoring them to their native places.

The rally, which began peacefully, escalated into violence when police used smoke bombs, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters in the Singjamei area of Imphal city. The clashes resulted in injuries to over 10 individuals, including IDPs and journalists covering the event. Among the injured was R.C. Mangang, a reporter from Impact TV, who was allegedly assaulted by police officers despite identifying himself as a journalist.

The demonstration was organized by the Committee on Protection of Meitei Victims (COPMeV) and saw participation from IDPs across various relief camps. Protesters chanted slogans demanding their right to return home, the expulsion of Assam Rifles from Manipur, and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). "We want to return home with dignity," echoed throughout the rally.

The protest began in the Singjamei Akampat area, with demonstrators intending to march approximately two kilometers to the Chief Minister's secretariat to submit a memorandum outlining their demands. The rally included school students from the IDP camps, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Opposition Manipur Congress MLA Kangujam Ranjit expressed shock over the police's handling of the rally, raising concerns about police excesses during the state assembly's budget session. In response, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh addressed the assembly, accusing certain individuals of exploiting the IDPs' situation for political gain.

In a related development, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) staged a protest against the assault on journalist R.C. Mangang. The media fraternity marched from the Manipur Press Club to the Chief Minister’s bungalow, where they submitted a memorandum demanding an immediate investigation into the attack, along with stricter guidelines for police handling of media personnel during protests.

Mangang recounted his ordeal, stating that he was attacked by a police Sub-Inspector while covering the IDP rally. "I was punched multiple times, my mobile phone was broken, and I was threatened with my life," Mangang said, detailing his injuries which required treatment at Raj Medicity.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the attack on Mangang and assured media representatives that the Director General of Police (DGP) would investigate the incident and identify the responsible police official within 48 hours.