At least 13 persons, including three policemen, were injured in a clash that broke out between the police and supporters of IHRA president Mark Thangmang Haokip in Tuibong town, Churachandpur district.
The incident comes a day after the arrest of International Human Right Association (IHRA) president Mark Thangmang Haokip. Following Mark’s arrest, a large number of his supporters gathered at Peace ground in Churachandpur to organise a peace rally.
Initially, the rally was planned to start at 9 am but police allegedly did not allow the assembly of Mark’s supporters citing the absence of permission from the district authority. This prompted the people to gather at Tuibong Community hall and by 11.40 am the situation escalated.
Among the injured, 10 are civilians, of which four are reported to be in serious condition. They sustained injuries allegedly inflicted by teargas firing. Three policemen also reportedly sustained injuries due to the pelting of stones by the protesters.
The protesters bearing placards and chanting the slogan “release Mark Haokip”, “we want justice” and “where is the law” headed toward the Deputy Commissioner’s office of Churachandpur before they were stopped by the police.
Meanwhile, the district magistrate issued an order under CrPC 144(2) prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons in the entire town area of Churachandpur district with immediate effect from 9 pm of Wednesday until further orders.
Mark Thangmang Haokip, 37, son of M Limkhosei Haokip, resident of Molnom west, Churachandpur, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon at KishanGarh, New Delhi by a team of Manipur Imphal Police Station. Mark is likely to be brought to Imphal on transit remand from New Delhi.
