Another Fake Encounter…

Shoot at sight orders have been issued and indefinite curfew imposed within the Imphal city limits in Manipur
Hardnews Bureau

Manipur is yet again witnessing a massive upsurge against the security forces after a young man was allegedly shot down in a 'fake encounter'. Shoot at sight orders have been issued and indefinite curfew imposed within the Imphal city limits in Manipur.

The official story claims that 27 year old Chongkham Sanjit was killed in a gunfight with the security forces. Most locals vehemently deny this, quoting eyewitnesses. Protestors turned violent during the agitation - they uprooted trees, burnt vehicles, besides blocking roads. The protestors burnt the effigies of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

Hardnews learnt that the official story lost credibility after the circulation of some photographs in a newsweekly showing that the slain youth, Chongkham Sanjit, was taken inside a pharmacy unchallenged by the security forces. He was unarmed. Later, they emerged with his dead body.

Police on tuesday had to resort to bursting teargas shells, baton charging the protestors as unrest flared up. The situation is tense and not completely under control. Officials suggested that the curfew might be relaxed for a few hours to let people buy essential commodities.

Unaccounted killings of young men in encounters have become a routine exercise by security forces in all the states under the draconian AFSPA, which is widely opposed in the state. There have been several protests in the last many years against police atrocities. There is always simmering tension and anger in the air, and widespread repulsion against the AFSPA. People, especially mothers and women of Manipur, still remember the mass protests against the murder and rape of Manorama, allegedly by the Assam Rifles. In an astounding and shocking act of defiance and angst, women stripped outside the headquarters of the Assam Rifles at Kangra Fort in Imphal with a huge banner saying, "Come Army, Rape Us."

Meanwhile, the opposition Nationalist Congress Party has sought the resignation of the Chief Minister and demanded a judicial probe into the incident. The encounter has been condemned by human rights activists all over the country.