Manipur Police denies claims of ethnic bias within force, appeals for peaceful student protests

Manipur IG (Operation) IK Muivah refuted claims of ethnic bias within the police force. He also addressed the ongoing student protests, urging for non-violence and highlighting the role of vested interest groups.

In a press briefing IG (operation) IK Muivah said, "We want to make some important clarification regarding one press statement by one very senior retired officer who claimed that there is no Manipur police but Metei police and Kuki police. We want to refute this as Manipur police comprise all kinds of communities, whether from the mainland, Kukis, Nagas or the Meteis. Hence this is an immature statement made."

Further, the top cop also asserted that with regards to the drone bombing matter, the state police have already clarified on its official media handles clearly and the police stand by it.

Speaking on the student protest which has currently rocked the state, the police have appealed to the students not to indulge in violence to avoid unnecessary problems. The police have also claimed that some vested interest groups are instigating this and that the police are monitoring the social media handles.

Also Read: Manipur students' protest at Ima Market continues as 24-hour deadline to Governor nears end

Students protesting at Manipur's Ima Market since September 9 had served a 24-hour deadline to the Governor, which ended at 1 pm today.

Awaiting a response to the charter of demand from Governor Lakshman Acharya, the students had urged yesterday, September 9, that their demands be fulfilled within 24 hours.
 
Although, the students decided to stay in front of the Raj Bhawan until their demand was fulfilled, however, they were dispersed by security personnel after some irate protesters pelted stones in the area.
 
Later, the protesting students shifted their protesting site to Ima Market and held an overnight protest.
 
Meanwhile, the students have announced that they will launch a more intensive form of agitation if the Governor fails to fulfil their deadline.