A confrontation ensued in Manipur’s Bishnupur following the detention of armed individuals and the seizure of weapons by security forces early Tuesday morning. Meira Paibis, Meitei women vigilantes, clashed with the security personnel as they attempted to disperse the crowd. Despite opening fire, the agitators managed to snatch the detained men from the security forces. The Manipur police reported that the Army’s Mahar Regiment intercepted and detained 11 individuals dressed as police officers, seizing guns, grenades, and ammunition from them, a report by The Indian Express said.
The report further stated that the army recovered three AK series rifles, five INSAS, two SLRs, two hand grenades, and bulletproof jackets while arresting the 11 men.
The protesting women demanded the release of the detained men and the return of the confiscated weapons, asserting their opposition to arms seizure until the conflict’s resolution. As per the report, the women in Kumbi, Bishnupur, obstructed the Army column by lying on the road and placing a vehicle on a blockade.
The crowd eventually dispersed following the arrival of additional reinforcements, including the RAF. Bishnupur SP Ravikumar and Thanga MLA T Robindro led a team that arrived at the scene, contributing to resolving the situation.
Instances of disruptions by female protesters from conflicting Meitei and Kuki communities are not unprecedented. Earlier this year in February, during the abduction of a senior police officer from his residence, the Arambai Tenggol militants received backing from female demonstrators, halting convoy operations.