Manipur: Over 50 students injured in clash with security forces in Imphal

Over 50 students were injured in Imphal on Wednesday during a clash between security forces and Meitei students, as protests against the killing of two Meitei youth spread across the Imphal valley. Many students were severely injured, according to hospital authorities in the city.

As of 5.50 pm, sounds of smoke bombs going off could be heard even as a curfew was imposed in both Imphal West and Imphal East districts.

The students – Hijam Linthoingambi (17) and Phijam Hemjit (20) – are suspected to have been killed by Kuki militants, according to the Imphal police. Their last location was traced to a tourist spot in the Churachandpur district on July 6.

On Wednesday, over 1,000 students from various city colleges and schools started a “peace march” seeking justice and punishment for the killing of the duo from the city’s Haoground Singjamei area around 11.30 am. When the rally was 2 km away from the chief minister’s bungalow, security forces intervened and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

On Tuesday, too, over 40 students were injured while protesting against the killing of the young man and woman. Videos showed security forces resorting to baton charging and firing tear gas shells to disperse them.

Hours after the violence, the Manipur government reimposed...

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