8 injured, 23 arrested for arson in Manipur; army conducts flag march

Guwahati: At least eight persons were injured after security forces were called into action in strife-torn Manipur, who arrested 23 persons as Meitei protesters continued arson in the state, despite curfew and suspension of internet.

Police on Sunday morning said an irate mob targeted houses and properties of Ministers, MLAs and other public representatives in Imphal. Sources said the private residence of CM N Biren Singh in Imphal was also targeted.

The protesters alleged that the BJP-led government failed to rescue the six Meitei women and children, who were allegedly abducted by "Kuki insurgents."

The protest erupted after bodies of six persons, believed to be those who had gone missing from Jiribam on November 11, were recovered on Friday and Saturday.

"Police resorted to firing tear gas shells in order to disperse the mob. Security forces including Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed in Imphal to strengthen the security in the town area. Flag marches have been conducted. Eight persons have been injured in the process of mob dispersal," police said in a statement on Sunday.

The 23 persons, who were part of the mob indulging in ransacking and arson of the houses, have been arrested from Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur districts, police said.

Police also recovered one .32 pistol, seven rounds of SBBL, eight mobile phones from their possession, it said.

Total curfew was clamped while mobile internet was suspended for two days in view of the fresh violence that erupted on Saturday. The protesters burnt tires and blocked the roads.