A fresh round of violence broke out in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday, leading to the death of one protestor and injuries to more than 40 others. The clashes occurred between Kuki demonstrators and security forces across different parts of the region.
The violence erupted when police used tear gas to disperse Kuki protesters who were opposing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive allowing free movement across the state. The directive has been a point of contention, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
Indefinite shutdown imposed
Following the clashes, the Kuki Zo Council announced an indefinite shutdown in all Kuki-dominated areas starting from Saturday midnight. In a statement, the council emphasized the need for the central government to address the root causes of the unrest to prevent further violence.
The council urged the government to reconsider its stance to avoid further escalation of violence. It also stated that it could not guarantee the free movement of Meiteis across buffer zones and would not be responsible for any unfortunate incidents that may occur.
Fatalities and injuries
The protester killed in the clashes was identified as 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit. He sustained bullet injuries and succumbed to his wounds while being transported to the hospital, according to police reports.
The situation worsened when protesters set private vehicles on fire and attempted to halt a state transport bus traveling from Imphal to Senapati. At least 16 protesters sustained injuries in confrontations at Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi, with unofficial reports suggesting civilian injuries exceeding 23.
Manipur Police reported that at least 27 security personnel were injured in the clashes. Officials stated that some agitators opened fire, prompting retaliation from security forces. A police statement highlighted that forces exercised restraint while managing the violent crowd and used minimal force to control the situation.
How did the clashes begin?
According to Manipur Police, the clashes started when a state transport bus on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route was pelted with stones by a mob at Gamgiphai. Security forces responded with tear gas and minimal force to disperse the crowd.
Protesters erected roadblocks at multiple locations, using fallen trees and boulders to immobilize movement. They also blocked National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) and burned tyres to disrupt government vehicle movement.
Opposition to peace march
The protest was also aimed at a peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization. Security forces halted the march at Sekmai before it could enter Kangpokpi district. A police official stated that they were following orders and that marchers could proceed only in government-arranged buses.
Demand for separate administration
A purported video released by Kuki-Zo villagers expressed their opposition to the central government’s stance on free movement. The villagers demanded a separate administration and warned against any attempt to enter their areas.
“Any attempt to enter our areas will be met with strong resistance. No free movement before separate administration,” a volunteer was reportedly heard saying in the video, as reported by news agency PTI.
With inputs from PTI