Imphal: A shutdown paralyzed the town of Tuibong following public outrage over the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl.
The incident, which occurred on October 21, involved a local shopkeeper who was accused of molesting the minor.
The Kuki-Zomi Village Volunteers called for a bandh after the girl’s family filed a complaint against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
The accused was subsequently arrested by the police.
Tensions escalated when protesters were allegedly attacked by individuals linked to the building owner where the accused’s shop is located.
The building owner, reportedly an underground leader, is said to have sent his associates to confront the demonstrators.
To prevent further unrest, local authorities imposed restrictions on public gatherings under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023.
The 10-hour shutdown resulted in the closure of schools, markets, and roads being blocked by burning tires in Tuibong Bazar.
Although the bandh ended around 3:30 PM, underlying tensions persist in this subdivision of Churachandpur district as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the alleged child molestation.
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