Former Militant Rearrested Decades Later, Triggering Clashes in Imphal West
Fresh clashes erupted in certain areas of Imphal West on Friday night following the re-arrest of one of the five defense volunteers who had been released on bail by a special court. Although there is no official confirmation regarding the status of the re-arrested individual, officials have revealed that Moirangthem Anand, a former member of the banned People’s Liberation Army, was taken into custody once again while the other four individuals were handed over to their families after being granted bail.
Anand’s wife, devastated and in tears in front of the Imphal police station, stated that her husband was apprehended in connection with a case that is over a decade old. According to L Michael, one of the released village defense force volunteers, Anand was whisked away by a few officials after the four of them were freed from the lock-up.
In response to the situation, security forces, including RAF personnel, fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters who had gathered at various locations in Imphal West district, including Kwakeithel stretch, Singjamei, and Uripok. The protesters expressed their discontent by setting tires on fire in the middle of the road, voicing their dissatisfaction with the government and police.
Prior to the clashes, a special court in Imphal had granted bail to the five youths upon furnishing a PR bond worth Rs 50,000. Anand and four others were initially arrested on September 16 in Imphal East district, and during the operation, the police seized an INSAS rifle along with 78 rounds of ammunition from Anand.
Over the past few days, the state of Manipur has witnessed widespread clashes between security forces and protesters who have been staging a court arrest agitation, demanding the unconditional release of the five village defense volunteers.
While tensions remain high and clashes continue, it is crucial for authorities to handle the situation with sensitivity and take into consideration the grievances expressed by the protesters. The re-arrest of an individual after their release on bail has further fueled the frustration among the people, leading to the recent clashes. It is imperative to find a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation of the situation.
