Imphal: A student leader attempted self-immolation while a 23-year old girl, injured during police action against demonstrators on August 7, died as protests intensified today (Aug 15, 2004) in Manipur against the alleged custodial death of Th Manorama Devi and demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the entire State.

Twenty-eight year old Pebam Chitaranjan, advisor of Manipur Students Federation, this morning torched himself after pouring oil on the body at Bishenpur market, about 40 km south of Imphal, demanding removal of the Act from entire State, official reports said.

He was taken to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in 'very serious' condition with 90 per cent burns, the reports said.

Several student activists shouted slogans demanding withdrawal of the act from the entire State minutes before Chitaranjan attempted self-immolation at 11:00 IST. The Police and security forces rushed to the spot immediately.

Meanwhile, a 23-year old girl Konjengbam Nimita who had been hit by tear gas shells during police action about a week ago, succumbed to wounds on way to J N Hospital in Imphal during the day, the sources said.

Nimita had participated in 'arrest us programme', spearheaded by 32 organisations, on August 7 at Lamlai, about 25 km north east of Imphal, when police lobbed tear gas shells to disperse them for defying prohibitory orders.