Two killed, over 100 hurt in Manipur Holi revelry

IMPHAL, March 26: Two people have died and over 100 injured, including 20 critically, in the five-day Holi revelries in Manipur that would last till Sunday night, police said on Saturday. Over 100 injured people have been admitted in government and private hospitals in the state. Police sources told IANS on Saturday that at least 20 persons are battling for their lives in intensive care units of hospitals. The police in the Imphal East and the Imphal West districts launched special drives to book people found violating the Motor Vehicle Act. “Till date we have booked 2211 offenders who had to fork out Rs 2, 61,700 as fines. Police drive is continuing and we hope that some more offenders will be booked and fine collection may cross Rs 5 lakh,” a senior official said. There have been reports of dozens of minors and youths holding up traffic on busy streets in the city areas for carrying out motorbike antics for hours. Some of them met with accidents during these antics. However, no passerby was injured. When asked about this and police iction, an officer admitted to IANS about shortage of manpower. Meanwhile, youngsters are celebrating Holi during the day time. At night there are folk dances in almost all localities which continue till midnight or later. (IANS)