Two students on hunger strike, three faint during Manipur school students protest

Imphal (Manipur), July 23 : At least three students of the Tamphasana Girls (TG) Higher Secondary School reportedly fainted and several others sustained minor injuries after police resorted to intensive action during a student protest for introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) System (ILPS) in Manipur. The Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to grant inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period. It is obligatory for Indians residing outside those states to obtain permission prior to entering the protected areas. On Friday, a large number of students of the TG Higher Secondary School started marching from the school campus towards Raj Bhavan, Keishampat,. Wahengbam leikai, Ima market and back to the school back. The protesting students also demanded the lifting of the "Wanted" tag placed for former ILPS conveyor Khomdram Ratan. The students were, however, stopped by a strong team of the Manipur Police at Nityapat Chuthek by using barricades. As the students confronted the police team, police resorted to intensive action by firing smoke bombs. Reporters said that they witnessed male police personnel pushing the girl students even though there were lady police around. The girls who fainted have been admitted to the RIMS Hospital for first aid and treatment. Meanwhile, two people are on a relay hunger strike launched at 7 a m on July 17 at the Singjamei Bridge. Friday was the fifth day of the hunger strike. Ningthoujam Anand, a 12th standard student of the Johnston Higher Secondary School, and Chingkheinganba Nameirakpam, a 9th standard student of the CC Higher Secondary School, are on a fast unto death after the health of former TG Higher Secondary School students Tomthinnganbi Toijam and Pangambam Meria took a turn for the worse and had to be shifted to hospital on the orders of a chief medical officer.