Amidst the controversy over reported use of pellet guns during the recent students’ protests against the killing of two young students, Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) asked the Superintendent of Police of Imphal West District to submit a report as to who gave the command to use excessive force against students staging rallies in Imphal.
The commission headed by its Chairman Justice Utpalendu Bikas Saha (retired) also asked the Commissioner (Home) to inform it how much interim compensation could be provided to the injured students on or before the next date of hearing of the case.
Justice Saha on Wednesday visited three hospitals where nine pellet gun injured students are now under medical treatment.
MHRC sources said that the commission took up the case based on two complaints filed by Ningthoujam Jit Singh, of Singjamei Okram Leikai and one Mukul Phukon of Assam’s Shivsagar, subject matter of complaints being inhuman and brutal abuse by the armed forces and security forces to the peaceful students' protests.
The complaints alleged that on September 26 and 27, there was a peaceful rally organised by the students against the killing of 17-year-old girl student Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old Phijam Hemjit on July 6 and the security forces violating the norms applied excessive force.
The photographs of the two slain students were circulated on different social media platforms on September 25 triggering the intense agitations in which at least 100 students, including girls, were injured after they clashed with the security forces, who prevented them from marching towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow.
Of the 100 injured students, at least ten were seriously wounded by the pellet guns.
The complainants in their petition also alleged that the state police as well as central forces used excessive force without any warning to the peaceful students, while they were taking out a rally, as a result of which many students were injured.
According to a complainant, security personnel assaulted a student by forcing him to lie flat on the road at Moirangkhom, Imphal West. The complaint also mentioned other cases of assault of students.
The commission also asked the Director General of Police to submit a status report on or before November 9.
The commission in its order said: “It has also been brought to our notice that on September 28, the Director General of Police has constituted a Committee to look into the various report/allegations of use of excess force by the security forces during maintenance of law and order situations in the last few days in Imphal area. It also appears from the newspaper that the State government has taken responsibility for treatment of the injured students.”
In view of the students’ agitations, the state government has shut all schools in the state till October 5 besides re-imposing the ban on mobile internet services till October 6.
Stampede at Maha Kumbh; 30 women injured ahead of Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya
A stampede-like situation unfolded on the morning of Mauni Amavasya at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, resulting in around 30 women being injured as they made their way towards the Sangam for the Amrit Snan, one of the most significant rituals of the festival.
ISRO celebrates milestone with 100th launch of GSLV rocket, successfully deploys NVS-02 satellite
India’s space agency, ISRO, marked a significant milestone on Wednesday morning with the successful launch of its 100th GSLV rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
'Tahawwur Rana's extradition would showcase Trump's non-compromising approach to global terrorism'
As the US State Department evaluates the "next steps" with regard to 26/11 attacks accused Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India, Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla emphasised on Tuesday that security and defence cooperation between both countries will witness an upward trajectory under Trump 2.0.
16th Finance Commission team to visit Tripura on Jan 29
The 16th Finance Commission headed by Chairman Arvind Panagariya would hold a series of meetings simultaneously with the Tripura government and various stakeholders such as political parties, rural and urban local bodies, and representatives of trade, Industries, and Commerce here during its four-day visit to the state from Wednesday, an official said.
Mumbai-based NGO Sampoorna focused on empowering young women, launched regular health camps in Guwahati
These camps bring together experienced doctors who provide essential health checkups, ensuring the physical well-being of elderly residents. The camps have already had a positive impact, with senior citizens reporting better management of chronic health conditions, timely medical intervention, and improved overall health awareness.
Tripura to utilise Bhashini AI to promote regional languages, boost digital participation
In a significant step towards promoting regional languages and increasing digital participation, the state government on Tuesday partnered the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to utilise Bhashini, an AI-driven language translation tool.
Tripura CPI(M) to hold rally in Agartala tomorrow despite no venue clearance by police
The main opposition party in Tripura, CPI(M) as part of its three-day 24th state conference will hold a mega public gathering here on Wednesday even as the BJP government has not allotted any venue for the meeting.
Maha Kumbh 2025: Over 15 crore pilgrims take holy dip at Triveni Sangam
The Maha Kumbh, one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism, is underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with over 15 crore pilgrims taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.