New Delhi: In an unusual form of punishment, the Manipur Police detained 19 individuals who were allegedly creating a public nuisance during curfew hours, and made them apologise and clean up the mess they had created.
The individuals, the police said, were blocking roads and throwing stones at security forces at Lamlong Bazar in Imphal East.
Most of these individuals, who were allegedly under the influence of alcohol, were made to stand in a line with their heads bowed in shame, holding their ears as a gesture of apology. They were then instructed to clean the roads under police supervision, a senior police officer said.
“We detained 19 people for their involvement in street violence in Imphal East district. These individuals were found blocking roads, harassing commuters, and causing public disturbances. Most of them were intoxicated. As part of the punishment, they were detained, made to apologise,” the officer said. “We even made them clean the roads across Imphal East and remove the remnants of the disorder.”
The officer explained that community service can be imposed for six specific offences under Section 4(f) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including non-appearance in court, attempts to restrain lawful authority, petty theft (under specific conditions), misconduct by an intoxicated person, and defamation.
“Their actions caused significant inconvenience to the public and disrupted order, especially at such a sensitive time,” the officer said. “This action also served as a message to the youth to refrain from such activities, which carry legal consequences and could negatively impact their future and career prospects.”
The troublemakers were later released on signing of a good behaviour bond by their parents. Almost all of them were students and first-time offenders.
In many recent bandhs and protests, students in school uniforms and college attire were seen leading from the front, with some reportedly engaging in violent acts such as throwing petrol bombs and pelting stones—many of them being juveniles.
“We have also reached out to their parents, urging them to counsel their children, since the majority involved were minors,” the officer said.
Tensions erupted in two districts of Manipur on Saturday night, prompting the suspension of internet services for five days after a popular leader of the radical group Arambai Tenggol allegedly involved in the abduction of a senior police officer, was arrested and handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Arambai Tenggol commander Kannan Singh, a former head constable in the Manipur Police who was dismissed from service earlier this year, was allegedly involved in multiple cases. A Kuki National Army (KNA) leader was also arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a case of murder.
Protests broke out in the Imphal Valley, demanding the release of Singh and another volunteer of Arambai Tenggol who was arrested by police in a separate case. Protesters torched tyres and old furniture on roads in Kwakeithel and Uripok, and clashed with security personnel Saturday night.
A mob also set a bus on fire at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district. Security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters in front of Kangla Gate, nearly 200 metres away from the Raj Bhavan.
(Edited by Tony Rai)