Imphal: A journalist and some other displaced persons were assaulted by police during a protest rally for internally displaced persons on Thursday.
The rally organized by the Committee on Protection of Meitei Victims (COPMeV) started from a relief camp and marched towards the official residence of the Chief Minister. Police fired towards them as there were prohibitory orders in the city areas.
Police resorted to heavy firing of tear gas shells which caused panic in the city area.
Some primary class students fainted hearing gunshots as classes were going on in a school where police resorted to firing. Teachers consoled the primary students shocked by the firing near the school campus.
Over 60000 people have been displaced due to the crisis which started on May 3, 2023. The displaced persons said their houses, properties, temples, and Churches were burnt and destroyed by suspected Kuki militants. About 217 have lost their lives, and around 31 persons who entered some Kuki villages were still missing.