Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh disclosed during the ongoing 5th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly that eight FIRs have been filed in connection with the recent Churachandpur arson incident.
Among these, two cases have been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to suspected militant involvement. So far, 20 individuals have been identified as perpetrators of arson and vandalism, Singh stated.
During the session’s question hour, Singh responded to MLA K Ranjit’s inquiry regarding injuries and fatalities among state forces during the conflict. He informed the house that nine police personnel lost their lives, with 98 sustaining injuries.
Additionally, three Central forces members lost their lives, and 69 were injured. Singh confirmed that ex-gratia has been provided to the families of eight police personnel, with the compensation awarded for injuries, one case still pending.
Regarding the Churachandpur incident, Singh assured that the government is taking comprehensive measures to prevent such occurrences in the future and is actively investigating the case. He noted that the incident followed the suspension of a head constable in the district, an action taken lawfully by the SP.
Responding to MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh’s query on MLA Paolienlal Haokip’s alleged involvement, Singh stated that Haokip had incited unrest through social media before the mob attack on government offices.
Security forces attempted non-lethal measures to disperse the crowd, but the situation escalated when protesters began firing, resulting in injuries to security personnel and civilians.
Singh clarified that while some offices were damaged, not all records were destroyed in the incident. The Chief Minister affirmed that the government possesses footage of the event and is taking action against those responsible.
The incident, which occurred on February 14, led to two fatalities and over 42 injuries following clashes between security forces and a mob protesting the head constable’s suspension.
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