Guwahati: Police stopped a large group of CC Higher Secondary School students just short of Raj Bhavan on Tuesday as they attempted to reach the governor's office to protest what they described as excessive force used on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur's Dolaithabi.
The students began their march around 11 a.m. but were intercepted near the Nupi Lal Complex, where security personnel pushed them back toward the Veterinary Office gate in Imphal East.
After a brief confrontation, police permitted a small delegation of students to go inside Raj Bhavan and submit their grievances.
The marchers carried placards condemning the alleged police action on displaced families who were trying to return to their homes, especially at a time when the state government is celebrating the Sangai Festival 2025.
In their memorandum to the governor, the students claimed that police resorted to lathi charges and fired tear gas near a school bus and inside hospital premises.
They alleged that tear gas injured several minors and triggered chaos among doctors, patients, and attendants, disrupting medical services.
The students further questioned the proportionality of the security response against unarmed civilians, particularly children and IDPs.
Their petition demanded a neutral inquiry into the November 24 clashes, medical verification of student and civilian injuries, strict orders preventing security forces from using force around schools, hospitals, or relief shelters, and accountability for personnel responsible for firing tear gas near a school bus. They also sought financial support for those injured during the protest.
The demonstration ended after security forces escorted the students back to their school.
Monday's confrontation unfolded when IDPs from the Sajiwa and Sawombung relief camps marched from Pukhao Terapur Community Hall toward their villages in Ekou, Dolaithabi, and Sadu Yengkhuman. The rally escalated into violence when police stopped them at barricades near Sadu Yengkhuman.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) sharply criticized Thongju MLA Thongam Biswajit and Nambol MLA Th. Basanta for attending the Sangai Festival inauguration on November 21. In a statement, COCOMI IPR convenor Laikhuram Jayanta accused the legislators of disregarding public sentiment and urged voters from their constituencies to take a firm stance.