Fresh clashes erupted in Manipur’s Imphal West district on Wednesday, following the re-arrest of Moirangthem Anand, a former cadre of the banned People’s Liberation Army, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Anand was one of the five released village defense volunteers, and his unexpected detention has ignited tensions in the region.
The incident unfolded as the families of the five arrested village defense volunteers, along with a large crowd of concerned citizens, gathered in front of Imphal Police Station, eagerly awaiting the release of the detainees after they were granted bail. However, tensions escalated when Anand was informed that he was being re-arrested by the NIA in connection with a decade-old case.
Anu, the wife of Moirangthem Anand, received the heartbreaking news from a police officer and expressed her shock and anguish. “I was informed by a police officer that my husband has been taken to Delhi this evening in connection with a case. It is beyond my expectation that my husband will be re-arrested by NIA on the charge that he was once a member of an insurgent group,” Anu lamented, visibly distraught.
The news of Anand’s re-arrest led to a dramatic scene as Anu collapsed on the ground, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events.
As word spread about Anand’s re-arrest, protests erupted in various parts of Imphal West district. Security forces, including RAF personnel, were deployed to control the situation. Tear gas shells were fired to disperse protesters at Kwakeithel stretch, Singjamei, and Uripok, where demonstrators expressed their discontent with the government and police by burning tires in the middle of the road.
The re-arrest of Moirangthem Anand has further fueled tensions in Manipur, highlighting the delicate security situation in the region.
News Summary:
- Fresh clashes broke out in Manipur’s Imphal West district after Moirangthem Anand, a former insurgent and one of the five released village defense volunteers, was re-arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
- Families and supporters had gathered in front of Imphal Police Station, awaiting the release of the volunteers on bail, but tensions escalated with Anand’s unexpected detention.
- Anu, Anand’s wife, was devastated by the news and collapsed upon hearing of her husband’s re-arrest.
- Protests erupted in several areas of Imphal West, with security forces deploying tear gas to disperse demonstrators who expressed dissatisfaction with the government and police.
- Anand’s re-arrest has heightened security concerns in Manipur, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the region