A protester was killed and more than 40 others, including women and police personnel, sustained injuries as clashes erupted between Kuki demonstrators and security forces in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday.
The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit, suffered bullet wounds during confrontations at Keithelmanbi and succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital, police confirmed.
Violence broke out after security personnel resorted to firing tear gas to disperse Kuki demonstrators opposing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive on free movement across the state.
The situation quickly deteriorated as protesters torched private vehicles and attempted to halt a state transport bus en route from Imphal to Senapati district.
At least 16 protesters sustained varying degrees of injuries at Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi.
While official reports state these individuals were admitted to nearby public health centres, unofficial estimates place the civilian injury count above 23.
Security forces attacked
In a statement, Manipur Police disclosed that at least 27 security personnel were injured in the confrontations and alleged that some protesters resorted to firing at police, prompting retaliation.
“The security forces exercised maximum restraint while tackling the violent mob and used minimum force to control the situation. Armed miscreants within the protestors also opened fire, compelling security personnel to respond,” the statement read.
Authorities reported that tensions escalated when a Manipur State Transport bus passing through the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route came under attack at Gamgiphai, where a mob pelted stones at the vehicle, prompting security forces to intervene.
“Roadblocks were erected at various locations, with large numbers of protesters, including women and children, attempting to paralyse movement by felling trees and placing boulders on the roads,” the police statement added.
Protesters further blocked National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) and burned tyres to obstruct government vehicle movement.
Also read: Peace march stopped, vehicles set ablaze in Manipur's Imphal
The agitation was also directed at a peace march organised by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation, which was intercepted by security forces at Sekmai before reaching Kangpokpi district.
Police maintained that the march lacked requisite permission.
“We are merely following orders. The march cannot proceed without clearance. However, participants may use state buses arranged by the government,” a police officer stated.
FOCS members countered, asserting that Shah’s directive allowed for free movement across the state.
Kuki-Zo shutdown declared
Amid escalating tensions, a video purportedly released by the Kuki-Zo village volunteers group from an undisclosed location voiced opposition to the Centre’s directive, demanding a separate administration.
The authenticity of the footage, which warned of “strong resistance” against any movement into Kuki-Zo areas, could not be independently verified.
In protest against the government’s decision, the Kuki-Zo Council declared an indefinite shutdown in all Kuki-Zo areas from midnight.
“It is imperative for the Centre to address the core issues to prevent further unrest and ensure public safety.
The Kuki-Zo Council urges the government to reconsider its stance to avoid an escalation of violence,” the council stated.
Declaring that it “cannot guarantee free movement of Meiteis across buffer zones,” the council further added, “We will not be held responsible for any untoward incidents.”
Weapons and explosives seized
Meanwhile, in an extensive security operation, Manipur Police recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from multiple districts, including Imphal East, Jiribam, Ukhrul, and Tengnoupal. The seizures were made during operations conducted on March 7.
A police statement detailed the recovery of weapons such as an SMG Carbine, a single bolt-action rifle, a modified .303 rifle, revolvers, grenades, a walkie-talkie, and various military-grade equipment from different locations.
Significant seizures included two country-made mortars, multiple INSAS rifle rounds, an RPG shell, and 27 bulletproof jackets. Other confiscated items comprised tear gas shells, rubber bullets, stun shells, and detonators.
The raids were conducted in areas such as Thawai Kuki village in Ukhrul district, Sekmaijin Hangul in Kakching district, and Chingkhei Ching in Imphal East.
Security forces also seized long-range improvised mortars, 9mm pistols, and additional explosive materials from Senam in Tengnoupal district.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to neutralising threats and ensuring public safety amid ongoing tensions in the region.
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