File picture of T. Thangthuam’s funeral last week

Imphal, Jan. 6: Manipur continues to be gripped by tension with protesters demanding action against those responsible for the death of two police personnel and three civilians in three different incidents during the past few days.

The Kuki Students Organisation, Zomi Students’ Federation, Hmar Students’ Association and Zillai, along with the support of All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur and All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur has called a 24-hour bandh from midnight today. They are protesting against the killing of IGP (intelligence) T. Thangthuam and his escort commander in an ambush by Peoples Liberation Army on December 31 in Oinam bazar of Bishenpur district.

Residents of Churachandpur will observe Saturday as a “day of mourning” in memory of the two police personnel.

Joining the chorus of condemnation, the United Naga Council, Manipur rejected the PLA’s claim that the ambush was not intentional.

The temper is similar in Imphal West, with angry residents of Shamrou demanding that the Peoples United Liberation Front, responsible for abduction and subsequent killing of a social worker, M. Indrasen on January 2 in Thoubal district, be “wiped out”. A joint action committee formed by Shamurou residents appealed to all ‘patriotic organisations’ to root out the PULF. Unfazed by the public outcry, the militant group said the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Chamber of Commerce, which was headed by the deceased, was responsible for the death. After the organisation refused to pay annual tax, the outfit carried out the action.

Hundreds of women today staged a sit-in-protest at two places in Imphal East and blocked roads to protest aga-inst the killing of sportsperson Loitongbam Govind and government official M. Sim-ther on December 31. Tribal students joined the agitation.