Imphal, April 29: Fresh clash broke out between demonstrators and police personnel in Manipur’s Churachandpur town on Friday night. To disperse the mob, the security forces used batons, tear gas and rubber bullets.

Rumours have been spreading that several people were killed and injured in the police action in Churachandpur.

The eight-hour shutdown on Friday, called to protest against the eviction of Kuki villagers from protected forests, paralysed normal life in the tribal-dominated southern Manipur district.

Police were forced to lob tear gas shells to disperse a large crowd which had gathered in New Lamka and was throwing stones at security forces deployed in the bandh-hit town.

Earlier in the day, clashes erupted between demonstrators and police at Sadbhavna Mandap in New Lamka, the venue where Chief Minister N Biren Singh was scheduled to address a public meeting.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have been clamped and mobile internet services have been suspended in Churachandpur district.

An order issued by the Home department said, “To prevent any disturbance to the peace and order, the suspension of mobile internet services shall be in force for the next five days with immediate effect in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts.”