Manipur on fire after bills on regulating entry to outsiders on work permits was passed

Guwahati: The homes of Manipur’s health minister and five MLAs were set on fire in Churachandpur district by protesters Monday evening. The violence seemed to be limited to South Manipur.

The protests erupted after three Bills were passed in the Assembly seeking to regulate the entry of outsiders into the state through a work permit system. Sources said the violence was still continuing.

Angry mob resisted cop, firemen in Manipur

Additional reinforcements were being rushed to South Manipur from the state headquarters after the houses of a minister and six MLAs were set on fire.

Sources said the vehicle of Churachandpur's deputy commissioner and his escort were also torched. Mobs were said to be preventing the police and fire engines reaching the area.

Manipur has faced a series of protests from July this year after demands for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit system. The protesters demanded the government introduce the ILP Bill in the Assembly.

The agitation grew after a Class XI student from Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy, seeking implementation of the ILP system, was killed recently when the police used teargas to disperse protesters.