Goa: In the wake of escalating violence following the killing of two students in Manipur, the Centre has approved the “premature” repatriation of Srinagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Balwal to the Manipur cadre. The northeastern state has witnessed widespread protests in Imphal, triggered by the circulation of photos depicting the bodies of the two youths on social media. According to reports by PTI, clashes with the police in the Imphal Valley left 45 students injured, as law enforcement employed tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse the agitating crowds.
The official order from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance, and Pensions indicates that Rakesh Balwal, belonging to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre, is being transferred to the Manipur cadre, following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Manipur is currently grappling with another wave of violence, primarily driven by students from schools and colleges in Imphal, who are demanding the immediate apprehension of those responsible for the alleged kidnapping and killings. Tensions flared as security forces attempted to prevent protesters from going towards the chief minister’s secretariat in Sanjenthong, Imphal East district.
Mobile internet services have been suspended for five days, as per a directive issued on Tuesday, shortly after Chief Minister N Biren Singh had announced the resumption of internet services. These measures are slated to remain in effect until 7.45 p.m. on October 1. The clashes with the police resulted in the hospitalization of approximately 31 students, with more than 60 others sustaining injuries.
In parallel developments, a team of officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), led by the agency’s Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, arrived in Manipur on Wednesday to initiate an investigation into the crime. Chief Minister N Biren Singh conveyed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured him that those responsible for the crime would be arrested and duly punished.
Furthermore, the Manipur government has extended the application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the hill areas of the state for a period of six months, commencing on October 1. The official notification specifies the exclusion of 19 police stations in the valley from the Act’s provisions.
