This Article is From Aug 30, 2014

Two Killed in Clashes Between Police and Protesters in Manipur

Two Killed in Clashes Between Police and Protesters in Manipur

Several demonstrators were reportedly injured in the clashes.

Imphal: Two people were killed and 15 injured in clashes between Manipur Police and protestors from the United Naga Council, a Naga political organisation, in Ukhrul district, nearly 85 kilometres from state capital Imphal, after police allegedly opened fire on protestors.

Several demonstrators were also reportedly injured and some of them are in a very serious condition.

The United Naga Council has claimed the Manipur police commandos and jawans of the India Reserve Battalion fired on the protesters indiscriminately. All of the protestors were unarmed and not violent, said members of the Council. 

The police claimed that they initially used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators but resorted to firing when they heard gunshots.

The government has sought the help of Assam Rifles to bring the situation under control.

Ukhrul has been under the restrictive Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for a few months due to tensions between the government and pro-Naga groups. Section 144 bans the assembly of more than five people.

The United Naga Council and other groups in the area had given a call for the rally to demand that the Government lift Section 144 from Ukhrul , and also expedite an 'acceptable and honourable settlement' of the Indo-Naga issue

In a press release issued post the incident, the United Naga Council has condemned the killings and said it will intensify its agitation across Manipur in the next few days.
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