Imphal, May 29 (IANS): A woman injured in police firing in Manipur during an agitation over what the protestors call anti-migrant bills has suffered hearing loss, officials said on Sunday.
Sources told IANS that the woman -- K. Thoibi, 40, of Imphal West district -- has become deaf in the right ear after sustaining the injury on Saturday. It is being feared that her hearing may be impaired permanently.
Twenty-four girl students were also hospitalised when police resorted to firing of mock bombs and tear gas shells. Most of the injured girls were later discharged.
"From the injury of the woman, it is now confirmed that rubber bullets were fired well above the waistline. It was uncalled for," a woman activist said.
Police have beefed up security measures in the Imphal East and Imphal West districts to maintain law and order.