By Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, Nov 21: Fresh tension flared up in Manipur’s Imphal East district after demonstrators protesting against the holding of tourism festival clashed with security forces on Friday.
Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body of Meitei organisations, had called a cease work agitation on Friday to protest the holding of the Sangai festival which is scheduled to start from Friday evening.
The agitation affected normal life as shops, business establishments remained closed in Imphal valley districts, public transport remained off the road. Classes were suspended at all schools and colleges across valley districts.
At Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district, clashes broke out between security forces and protesters after protesters which included several internally displaced persons attempted to march towards the main venue site of Sangai festival but were attempted.
Protesters pelted stones at the law enforcers prompting them to fire several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the agitators.
Protestors have been opposing the festival, stating that celebrating amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by displaced families is highly insensitive.
Some protesters sustained minor injuries during the protest and the situation in the area remained tense at the time of filing this report.
