Will punish security personnel involved in use of force against students: Manipur CM
More than 100 students were injured in clashes with security forces in Imphal after they staged a protest against the killing of two youths
Appealing to people to maintain peace, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday (September 30) said that security personnel involved in the “excessive use of force” against students during a crackdown on a protest rally in Imphal in connection with the alleged killing of two students will be punished.
The chief minister appealed to the people to remain united, maintain calm and collectively fight the enemies of the state, which has witnessed ethnic violence.
Speaking on the sidelines of a programme in Imphal, Chief Minister Singh expressed shock over the incident in the Imphal area where more than 100 students were injured in clashes with security forces on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
“I am shocked at the excessive use of force... at what was done to the children. Ministers of the state have personally met the injured students,” he said. Inquiry is on into the serious injury to the students. “Those responsible for the extreme injuries will be arrested and be dealt with legally,” the chief minister said.
Two students were seriously injured in the clash with the security forces during the two consecutive days. One of them received more than 40 pellet bullets on his skull fired by security personnel. Similarly, 17-year-old L Kishan’s shoulder was shattered by pellets fired from a close range, authorities of the hospital where the two are being treated told reporters.
“Rs 50,000 has been provided as financial assistance to the badly injured students for treatment. Hospitals have also been informed that expenses for all their requirements will be borne by the government, including those who need to be taken outside Manipur,” the chief minister added.
The crackdown followed the massive protests by students against the alleged killing of two youths who went missing on July 6. Photos of their dead bodies went viral on social media recently, triggering protests and prompting the government to send a CBI team to the state for inquiry. “A CBI special director is still in Imphal and an investigation is on,” Singh said.
(With agency inputs)
