Manipur violence: One protester shot dead during clash

A protester was killed in firing during a clash between security forces and a mob that vandalised properties in the restive eastern Indian state of Manipur’s Jiribam district late on Sunday night, PTI reported yesterday.
Police confirmed that one person was killed in firing but said it was not immediately clear who opened fire. PTI quoting eyewitnesses claimed the firing came from the direction of the security forces.
The incident took place when the protesters were vandalizing properties at Babupara in Jiribam police station area to protest the killing of women and children belonging to the state’s majority Metei community abducted by suspected Kuki militants.
The deceased has been identified as K Athouba, who was in his twenties, PTI said quoting a police official.
The offices of Congress and BJP and a house belonging to Jiribam’s Independent lawmaker were ransacked by a group of agitators who brought furniture, paper and other things out and made a bonfire out of them in front of the buildings, officials said.
Earlier on Sunday, the body of another man, whose identity was yet to be ascertained, was found near Jiribam town.
More than 220 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.
An uneasy calm prevailed in Imphal Valley, where curfew and internet services suspension remained in force after agitators vandalised and set ablaze properties belonging to several ministers and legislators.
Markets and business establishments, barring pharmacies, remained closed, while public transport was off the roads but a few private vehicles were seen on the roads.
Security forces have intensified patrolling in parts of Imphal and increased deployment at many of the residences of legislators as well as all key roads leading to the secretariat, state BJP headquarters and Raj Bhavan.