Police Tear-Gas Protesters in Manipur

NEW DELHI, 12 August 2004 — As police fired rubber bullets and tear gas shells at hundreds of women in India’s northeastern Manipur state yesterday, Home Minister Shivraj Patil hinted yesterday the government may accede to some of the protesters’ demand. He said: “The Assam Rifles has carried out its duties properly in the state. But if the people of Manipur have a problem with the force, we can move the troops from there. However, it is not something, which can be done today or tomorrow.”

police fired rubber bullets and tear gas shells yesterday as protesters marked the first month anniversary of the killing of a local woman by soldiers. The killing of 30-year-old Thangjam Manorama, suspected to be a rebel, on the night of July 10 has triggered widespread demands for the repeal of a federal anti-terror law under which troops have wide-ranging powers.