CURFEW RE-IMPOSED IN TURBULENT IMPHAL

August 4, 2004 - (IANS) An indefinite curfew was clamped on this capital of India's northeastern state of Manipur Wednesday as angry mobs demonstrated demanding the withdrawal of a statute that gives security forces sweeping powers.

"We decided to impose curfew Wednesday afternoon anticipating some mob violence," Manipur Additional Director General of Police C. Peter told IANS.

Police burst teargas shells and fired rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protestors trying to block a highway in capital Imphal to prevent Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's motorcade to cross. The chief minister arrived here Wednesday from New Delhi.

"The prohibitory orders were imposed to pre-empt any violence after the return of the chief minister," the police official said.

The chief minister Tuesday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi to discuss mounting pressure from women's and rights groups in Manipur to withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act enforced in the state.

The act gives armed forces exclusive powers to deal with militancy, although rights groups accuse security forces of committing excesses on civilians in the name of curbing insurgency.

Reports in the media about New Delhi's reluctance to withdraw the act led to fresh protests and demonstrations in Manipur Wednesday.

The chief minister is holding a special cabinet meeting Wednesday night and indications are that there could be an announcement soon about certain "amendments" or "relaxations" made in the act to meet popular demands.

"We expect something positive from the chief minister that is in line with the popular sentiment of the people," a senior minister said requesting anonymity.

The violent protest has been against the killing here of a 32-year-old woman, Thangjam Manorama, allegedly by paramilitary Assam Rifles troopers July 11.

Reports say troopers picked up Manorama from her home on charges of links with separatist rebels. Hours later, her body was found four km from her home with multiple bullet wounds.

That triggered a string of violent protests with women storming the Assam Rifles headquarters here and some of them stripping in full public view to vent their ire against the soldiers.

The women were holding placards that read: "Indian Army rape us" and "Indian Army take our flesh."

The protests became more strident, forcing the Assam Rifles to hold an internal inquiry. The state government too ordered a judicial probe but the reports are yet to be made public.

The days that followed the death of Manorama saw scores of government buildings torched, hundreds of protestors injured in police action and curfew continuing since July 14.

The protestors, besides seeking justice and punishment meted out to the alleged killers of Manorama, were demanding the Special Powers Act be withdrawn.

"We are not going to compromise with anything less than withdrawal of the act," rights leader Jagat Thoudam said.

From: http://news.newkerala.com/india-news/index.php?action=fullnews&id=5948