Encounter in Manipur Sparks Protests

Imphal, Mar 19 : A suspected militant was killed in a gun battle by the security forces, sparking protest by locals who claimed the encounter to be fake. 23-year-old militant Chongtham Nanao was killed during the encounter with a joint team of 21st Assam Rifles battalion and police commandos in Thoubal district on March 14, officials said.

However, alleging that Nanao was picked up from his house at Sekmaijin area in Imphal West district by the security personnel and shot dead in Thoubal, a Joint Action Committee -- comprising locals -- blocked an important road on Thursday, linking two Manipur districts to this capital town.

The JAC formed in protest against the killing of the youth blocked Mayai Lambi road connecting Imphal and interior parts of Imphal West and Thoubal.

Demanding an inquiry into the incident, a JAC spokesman said the agitation would continue till security personnel involved in the killing were punished.

Last year, killing of Chungkham Sanjit Singh in an alleged fake encounter on July 23 at the Imphal market complex had led to a prolonged agitation by a social organization Apunba Lup (AL).

The matter generated heat after a Delhi-based magazine published photographs of the encounter.

Following the directions of the Imphal Bench of the Gauhati High Court, the CBI in January took over the investigation into the Chungkham Sanjit killing.

The controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, which is in force in Manipur empowers the security forces to open fire or arrest without a warrant while providing legal immunity.