Agitators set fire to govt offices in Manipur

Five government offices were set ablaze by agitators protesting the killing of a woman allegedly by Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur. Indefinite curfew continues to be in force in certain parts of the state following widespread public protests over the killing of 30-year-old Th Manorama Devi on July 10.

Official sources in Imphal on Sunday said that agitators set ablaze the offices of the Sub Deputy Collector and Municipal Corporation at Ningthoukhong, Sub Deputy Collector's office at Moirang and Electricity and Fisheries offices at Kumbi in Bishenpur district late on Saturday night.

Also Read Women strip themselves to protest killing of woman Violence despite curfew in Manipur

Initial reports said that not much damage was done to the buildings although some government files were destroyed in the fire. Some nearby government quarters were damaged in the fire.

The indefinite curfew, which was relaxed for two hours till 11:30am, continues to be in force for the fourth day on Sunday following reports that people were likely to take out processions in protest against the killing.

District authorities had imposed indefinite curfew in Imphal and Greater Imphal areas of Imphal East district, Imphal West district and parts of Thoubal and Bishenpur districts following widespread protests.

An all-party meeting on Sunday condemned the killing of Manoroma Devi allegedly by 17th Assam Rifles personnel and emphasised the need for stopping the misuse of the Armed Forces Special Power Act by security personnel in the state.

The meeting, presided over by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, also urged Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to visit Manipur for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation, L Iboyaima Singh, state unit president of the Janata Party, told newspersons.

Representatives of various political parties, including Congress, CPI CPM, JD(S), BJP, Federal Party of Manipur, Manipur Peoples Party, JD(U) and Manipur National Conference, attended the meeting.