8 injured, 9 houses set afire in mob violence, curfew clamped

Eight people, including two policemen, were today injured and nine houses burnt down in mob violence in Imphal West district where curfew was clamped subsequently.

Manipur DGP control room sources said the violence broke out at Mayang Imphal Bengoon in Wagoi sub-division during a bandh called in the area against the killing of two youths for allegedly trying to steal a motorcycle during a Holi programme on April 7 last.

The bandh supporters forced two persons out of their vehicles and tried to set it on fire during the day. The locals stopped it and clash between the bandh supporters and those opposed to it followed.

Police rushed in but was attacked by the bandh supporters,who opened fire injuring two policemen.

To control the situation, police resorted to bursting tear gas shells and smoke bombs and six others were injured as the mob ran helter skelter.

The sources said the situation was under control and the injured were rushed to hospital where their condition was stated to be critical.

Nine houses - seven belong to the bandh supporters and two to those who opposed it - were burnt down in the clash.

Curfew has been clamped in the sub-division after the clash and will remain in force until further orders, a statement by Imphal West district magistrate N Jeofery said.