Nearly 50 people, mostly students, were injured during protests in various parts of Manipur’s valley districts for the second consecutive day following the murder of two Meitei students.

The state has been tense since photos surfaced of the missing students, whose last phone locations were traced to Churachandpur.

The state government has promised “swift and decisive” action against the culprits, but this has not appeased the Meitei community’s anger.

The protests took place as a CBI team arrived in Manipur to investigate the students’ killings, along with five officials.

Despite the closure of schools by the state government due to the law and order situation, students gathered in large numbers demanding justice for the brutal murders. In one photo, Hemjit’s head had been severed from his body.

In Imphal, students attempted to march towards the CM’s residence and Raj Bhavan to push for their demands, leading security personnel to use tear gas to disperse them.

Student representatives were eventually allowed to meet the Governor and Chief Minister, with protest marches also occurring in Thoubal, Moirang, and other locations.

Later in the day, an angry mob set fire to a government office in Thoubal district.

Due to the tense atmosphere, curfew was not lifted in Imphal East and Imphal West, with no relaxation planned for Thursday either.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that he has requested a report from the DGP regarding the Army’s actions against student protesters, following the release of videos showing excessive force.

Singh urged security forces to show restraint when dealing with students and women protesters.

He reassured the public that the CBI team is conducting a thorough investigation and emphasized that those responsible for the murders will face appropriate punishment.

Biren disclosed that 25 companies of CAPF and two companies of RAF are stationed in 23 areas of Churachandpur district to maintain order, in addition to the existing Assam Rifles and state police presence.

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