Fatal Ambush in Kangpokpi: One Fatalities, 25 Seriously Injured in Jammu and Kashmir Violence

Imphal, March 8: Violence erupted across Kangpokpi district on Saturday after security forces clashed with protesters opposing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive allowing free movement across the state. The unrest left one demonstrator dead and 25 others injured, including women.

Lalgouthang Singsit, a 30-year-old man, succumbed to bullet injuries sustained during clashes at Keithelmanbi. Officials say he died while being rushed to a nearby hospital. The incident occurred when security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, triggering violent confrontations.

Tensions had been simmering since early morning, as Kuki protesters took to the streets to voice their opposition to Shah’s announcement. The situation deteriorated rapidly, with protesters setting fire to private vehicles and attempting to block a state transport bus traveling from Imphal to Senapati district.

The demonstration also turned violent when protesters blocked the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) by burning tyres, disrupting the movement of government vehicles. The Kuki protesters further objected to a peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization, which was intended to enter Kangpokpi district. The march, involving over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach its destination.

In a stark warning, a group of purported Kuki-Zo village volunteers, in a video allegedly recorded from an undisclosed location, vowed to resist any attempt to implement Shah’s directive, stating, “We will strongly resist any attempt to enter our areas. There will be no free movement until a separate administration is granted.” The authenticity of the video cannot be verified independently by this publication.

The violent clashes have raised concerns about the potential consequences of implementing free movement across the state, particularly in regions with deep-seated ethnic tensions. The situation remains fluid, with local authorities working to contain the unrest and restore order to the affected areas.

Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/protest-over-free-movement-in-manipur-turns-deadly-one-killed-25-injured-in-kangpokpi-1570560
Category : North East,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-03-08 18:52:00