Imphal, Aug. 7 : Two persons were injured when Manipur Rifles fired at protesters who set ablaze five government offices in Senapati district last night in support of their demand to upgrade Sadar Hills subdivision to a full-fledged district.
The Kuki community, spearheaded by the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee, had launched an indefinite strike in the subdivision on July 31 to put pressure on the government to concede to their demand. It first imposed an indefinite economic blockade on National Highway 39 (Imphal-Dimapur road) and NH 53 (Imphal-Jiribam road), the two supply lines of Manipur, and then called an indefinite strike in Sadar Hills from August 2.
Last night, supporters of the strike set fire to a post office and a primary health sub-centre at Kalapahar and the offices of the sub-divisional officer, deputy inspector of schools and integrated child development scheme at Saparmeina between 10.30pm and 3am. The arson took place after the state cabinet, which met last evening, failed to take any decision on the demand.
Manipur Rifles personnel deployed at Kalapahar along the Imphal-Senapati road, a part of Imphal-Dimapur highway, opened fire at the arsonists around 10.30pm, injuring two — Thangkhanlal, 18, on the right leg and Thangzalian, 19 on the left hand. They have been admitted to Kangpokpi Hospital in Sadar Hills.
Altogether 10 government offices have been set on fire by the protesters so far, sources said. The strike has also left Imphal-bound vehicles stranded in Senapati town. Naga organisations are reportedly helping the stranded passengers with food and board.
The Kuki-dominated Sadar Hills is located inside the Naga-dominated hill district of Senapati and has three Assembly constituencies. The demand for upgrading the subdivision is more than three decades old. Successive governments have taken the decision to create the district but could never implement it because its boundary could not be settled with the Nagas.
The All Naga Students Association, Manipur, says the district should be carved out only with the consent of the Nagas. The United Naga Council, the apex body of the Nagas in Manipur, has not announced its stand but is expected to support Ansam.