Tear Gas Used to Disperse Imphal Protesters Against Drone Attacks

Security forces dispersed protesters using tear gas in Imphal after a rally against recent drone attacks reached close to the Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister's bungalow. The protestors marched along Tiddim Road, sat on the street, and demanded action against the state's top police official for failing to prevent the attacks.

Security forces resorted to using tear gas shells on Sunday night to disperse protesters who had gathered to denounce recent drone attacks in Manipur. The rally, which started on Tiddim Road, made its way towards the high-security zones including the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister's bungalow in Imphal.

The march saw thousands of participants covering over 3 km before being halted by state and central forces through erected barricades. Despite police efforts to stop them, the protesters continued their demonstration, sitting down on the road at Keisampat and raising slogans.

They condemned the drone attacks by suspected militants and criticized the authorities for their inability to make any arrests related to the incidents. The protestors also demanded the removal of the state director general of police, citing failure to curb the drone attacks. Drone usage has been noted in two incidents, on September 1 in Koutruk village and the following day in Senjam Chirang, resulting in deaths and injuries.

(With inputs from agencies.)