IMPHAL, Jan 28 - The death of a cadre of a militant group under Suspension of Operation (SoO), allegedly in police custody, triggered protests in Kangpokpi district today. Protesters resorted to vandalism and imposed a blockade along the Imphal-Mao section of the NH-2, leaving many vehicles stranded.
Sources said that a cadre of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), a constituent of the Kuki National Organisation which is under the SoO with the Centre and the State Government, allegedly died in the custody of the Kangpokpi Police. He has been identified as Thangboi Louvum.
Louvum was arrested by troops of 38 Assam Rifles on January 25 and handed over to the Kangpokpi Police Station. He was allegedly found dead inside the police lockup early this morning.
When the news of the cadre�s death spread, a large number of people, mostly women, stormed the police station and vandalised furniture and computer sets, and smashed window panes.
Simultaneously, the local residents of Kangpokpi also imposed a blockade on the NH-2 passing through the district headquarters by burning goods. Passengers of inter-State service vehicles were forced to cross Kangpokpi town on foot.
A source said that talks were held between leaders of agitating civil society organisations and officials of the State Government at the administrative building of the Kuki Students� Organisation, Kangpokpi, to resolve the crisis.
The civil society organisations have demanded punishment of the police personnel involved in the alleged custodial death of the KRA cadre. They also demanded a judicial enquiry into the case, besides compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the three children of the deceased.
Reports said that the district administration has approached the higher authorities of the State Government regarding the demands.
