Imphal, Sept 11: Manipur Police on Wednesday defended their use of tear gas and stun grenades to disperse student protests in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, and Thoubal. They reported that some protesters had escalated the situation by using petrol bombs, firearms, and slingshots with iron balls against the security forces.
At a press briefing, IGP (Intelligence) K. Kabib stated that the student rallies had started peacefully but claimed that certain individuals were deliberately inciting the students to violence. He confirmed that at least 10 police personnel, including a Village Defence Force (VDF) member, were injured during the protests. The police displayed catapults and iron balls that were allegedly used by the protesters.
Kabib expressed concern for the safety of students, particularly juveniles, who had been sheltering at Khwairamband Keithel Ima Market. He urged parents to monitor their children and prevent them from going out at night. Kabib also alleged that some students who wanted to leave the protest were forced to stay by instigators aiming to exploit the situation for their own benefit.
In his appeal to the public and media, Kabib urged people not to misuse students for political purposes and to avoid escalating the violence.
