Manipur Police commandos posted in various valley districts staged a protest by laying down their arms today in a show of disapproval of the abduction of a senior police officer. On Tuesday night, an additional superintendent of police was abducted from his home that came under attack as well.
ASP And His Escort Are In A Private Hospital For Treatment
Around 200 armed members of the radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol attacked the residence of Imphal West ASP Moirangthem Amit yesterday night and abducted him and one of his escorts. Later in the night, both were rescued by security personnel and admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
According to a top police official in the state, apart from the attack on police personnel by armed Arambai Tenggol members, the protesting police commandos have also been aggrieved by the alleged aid and support that the assailants allegedly received from members of the general public on Tuesday night.
The protest was carried out by police commandos stationed in various valley districts as Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur.
“When the general public is present in a situation like that, the police also cannot respond fully to the perpetrators because innocent people will die. The protest is not only against the actions of the Arambai Tenggol but also directed at the public at large, and also to pressure those at the top to act seriously against these anti-social elements,” said the official.
No Kind Of Disciplinary Action Is Being Contemplated Against Protesting Police Personnel
The attack against Moirangthem Amit came after police picked up some members of the group in connection to the theft of two vehicles. The police official has informed that no kind of disciplinary action is being contemplated against the protesting police personnel.
“It is felt that their protest is warranted and that there has to be some pressure against this kind of a situation,” he stated.
After the armed miscreants attacked Moirangthem’s house, additional security forces were rushed there. Two people were injured in the ensuing exchange of fire.
Tuesday’s attack on the senior police officer’s residence comes about a fortnight after the Churachandpur SP’s office was mobbed. Churachandpur DC’s office and residence were set ablaze following the suspension of a Kuki police personnel.
In the valley districts, the Arambai Tenggol’s biggest show of strength with public support took place last month. During the event, all Meitei MLAs and MPs turned up for a meeting in Kangla Fort in Imphal in response to a “summons” by the group. Three MLAs were even allegedly assaulted during the meeting that occurred amidst heavy fortification of the fort.
Bengali