Curfew clamped in Manipur village

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

IMPHAL, January 24: The Muslim–domited village of Lilong in Thoubal district is burning and one boy has been shot dead last evening by police. Indefinite curfew was imposed from last night following the death of a 13–year–old boy and grievous injuries to four others including a 7–year–old girl.

Police in riot gears had fired tear gas canisters to disperse the people at Lilong who were obstructing traffic. Later they fired live rounds at the agitationists. The Muslim villagers there are demanding widening of the 4–km long stretch of NH 102 from Lilong to Waithou. As the government had ignored the demand, the villagers imposed an indefinite blockade along this stretch of highway from Friday morning. No vehicle was allowed to pass along the highway.

Police opened fire at 4:30 pm killing the boy, Intiaz Khan, on the spot and injuring four others.   In retaliation, the irate people also torched a jeep of the police.

In view of the law and order situation, the district magistrate clamped an indefinite curfew at areas of 400 metres on either side of the highway. Police and paramilitary personnel are patrolling the highway.

Meanwhile, one powerful bomb was exploded at Keishampat near the Imphal town at 5 pm on Friday. There was no casualty.