Stability Restored in Tense Kangpokpi, Additional Security Measures Deployed to Ensure Peace in Manipur

Violence Erupts in Manipur’s Kangpokpi District as Kuki-Zo Groups Protest Crackdown on Security Forces

Tension ran high in Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Saturday, as violent clashes between Kuki-Zo groups and security forces left one protester dead and over 40 others, including women and policemen, injured. The unrest was sparked by a crackdown by security forces on demonstrators opposing the government’s decision to allow free movement across the state.

The situation remained tense but calm on Sunday morning as an indefinite shutdown called by Kuki-Zo groups came into effect in areas inhabited by the community. The shutdown, backed by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, was aimed at protesting the alleged brutality of security forces on protesters. The decision to allow free movement, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 1, has been opposed by several ethnic groups in the state.

The unrest began on Saturday when police fired tear gas shells to disperse Kuki demonstrators in various parts of Kangpokpi district. The agitators responded by pelting stones and using catapults against the law enforcement agencies, damaging the windshields of at least five security force vehicles. The clashes continued late into the night, with the security forces reportedly using minimum force to contain the situation.

The Manipur Police stated that 27 security personnel were injured in the attacks, including two critically. The statement also revealed that 16 protesters were injured, with one later succumbing to their injuries. The police claimed that the security forces showed restraint while dealing with the violent crowd, using only minimum force to control the situation.

The protests were also aimed at opposing the recent decision by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation, to hold a peace march to Kangpokpi district. The procession was stopped by security forces, citing the lack of necessary permits. The move has been seen as a strategic decision to prevent the march, which could have potentially escalated the tensions.

The situation in Manipur has remained volatile since ethnic violence broke out between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023. The violence has left over 250 people killed and thousands displaced, prompting the Centre to impose President’s rule in the state. The Manipur Assembly has been placed under suspended animation until 2027, and the Governor has urged the people to surrender looted and illegally held weapons within a seven-day deadline.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipurs-kangpokpi-tense-but-calm-additional-security-deployed-1181386-2025-03-09?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-09 10:48:00