Imphal: Manipur is once again witnessing massive protests over the Inner Line Permit (ILP). The protesters are demanding immediate presidential assent to the three bills on ILP passed by Manipur Assembly in August 2015.
The number of injured has increased to 21 after six more people were hurt in the protest on Tuesday.
Police resorted to lathi charge, tear gas shells and water cannons against the protesters who were marching to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's office. At least 15 people were injured during the protests in the last four days.
The state government has ordered the closure of all the schools, colleges and educational establishment till June 2.
The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), which is spearheading the agitation, has declared a "public curfew" in all state and central government offices from June 1 to June 3. The committee has also warned all non-locals staying in Greater Imphal to remain confined to their houses during the "public curfew".
Municipal elections are also due to take place in the state on June 2.
These three bills have split the hill and the valley areas in the state.
Those demanding presidential assent on the bills are residents of the valley but the hill tribes see the proposed legislation as a threat to their life and identity.
The hill tribes have refused to bury nine people killed police firing in August 2015 as a mark of protest for passing of the bills.
