Imphal, June 30: The death toll in the one-sided firing by rioters in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district a day earlier rose to three on Friday, police said. Security sources said, five people were injured in the firing.
Armed rioters had opened fire unilaterally in Haravathel village on Thursday. The Army said that security forces personnel took minor action to control the situation.
Police and RAF were deployed to control the crowd, the officials said. By 10 PM, the crowd had dispersed. The rioters took out a procession carrying the dead body to the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Protesters, led by women, challenged the police to arrest them, officials said. Tyres were also seen burning on the middle road to stop the movement of police.
They turned violent when security personnel stopped them from marching towards the chief minister’s residence. Police then used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. They also had to resort to lathi charge.
Assam Rifles contingents were deployed at the National Sports stadium and Munlai village after intermittent gunfire was heard from Harothel village.
A candlelight march was also taken out in Churachandpur on Thursday night to pray for peace in Manipur last evening.
