Imphal tense as mob tries to storm police stations over arrest of 5 men

At least 30 people were injured when security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse stone-pelting mobs of Meiteis, some led by women, at various places in Imphal valley on Thursday, officials said

- Utpal Parashar

The protesters were demanding the release of five Meitei men arrested by police for carrying sophisticated weapons and donning camouflage uniform. Police said agitators led by women tried to storm police stations in a bid to rescue the five.

According to police, the situation across the valley remained tense throughout the day with protesters trying to storm many police stations in Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur and other districts.

"The situation was tense till evening but now it has been brought under control. No additional forces have been deployed as our existing personnel are enough to deal with the situation," said K Sivakanta Singh, superintendent of police, Imphal East.

While some reports said that nearly 30 people sustained minor injuries, police officials refrained from giving any specific figure.