Mob blocks Khongjom road to protest arrest

IMPHAL, October 18: The arrest of five accused in the M Rajen killing case by the Kakching police led to a public outcry at Khongjom today.

Demanding unconditional release of the five who are all from the locality on the grounds that they are innocent, a violent mob turned up at Khongjom bazaar streets this early morning and blocked the streets.

The protestors resorted to burning of tyres to block the road. The protest and subsequent blockade lasted for around 2 hours starting at around 5am and ending around 7am. Shops were also forced to shut down by the protestors.

The five arrested have been identified as at Sapam Sunder, 40 son of Ibochouba, Chongtham Tompok, 45, son of Khongnam, Chingtham Herojit, 18 son of Tompok Thangjam Dilio, 32, son of Ibochou and Heikrujam Amarjit, 24 son of (L) Tombisana.

Inter district and local transport along the road were affected during the ordeal.

Meanwhile, Kakching SDPO, AJ Sharma and Thoubal DSP (Operation) Y Chandramani rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.

Later, the police allowed some of the protesters to meet Superintendent of Police, Thoubal on the case.

However, the meeting could not bring any consensus.

Sources have meanwhile, informed that the arrested five were handed over to the Thoubal Police Station for further enquiry.

Registering strong protests, the protesters also formed a Joint Action Committee christened as JAC against the Arrest of Innocent Persons from Khongjom Bazar.

It may be recalled here that Moirangthem Rajen (47) was beaten up black and blue by some unknown persons on October 15. Later, he was admitted to Raj Polyclinic for treatment but succumbed on October 16 at around 5 pm.