Tensions Reach a Boiling Point in Kangpokpi District as Security Forces Clash with Protesters
In a developing situation, security forces in Kangpokpi district of Manipur have fired multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse protesters blocking the highway, leading to a stand-off between the two parties. The demonstration, led by anti-free movement groups, has disrupted traffic along the crucial route, causing significant congestion and inconvenience to commuters.
The unrest was sparked by the recent attack on a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus in Gamgiphai, which came under a hail of stones hurled by an unruly mob. This unfortunate incident occurred shortly after inter-district bus services resumed from Imphal to the hill districts, marking a new beginning in the region’s transportation system. The development is significant, as it marks the first attempt to revive public transport services in the region since ethnic violence erupted two years ago.
The government’s bid to relaunch public transport services had earlier met with failure in December 2024, with not a single passenger turning up at the MST station in Imphal’s Moirangkhom. The latest incident has raised concerns about the feasibility of the service, with the government racing against time to address the situation.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that security forces fired tear gas shells and used batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in a few protesters sustaining injuries. The deployment of Assam Rifles convoy to escort MST buses and the heavy security presence in the area have only added to the tense atmosphere, with many fearing further escalation.
The situation in the region remains precarious, with security forces remaining on high alert to prevent any further disruptions. As the standoff continues, the people of Kangpokpi district are left wondering whether the resumption of inter-district bus services will prove a lasting solution or merely a temporary reprieve from the region’s transportation woes.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/manipur-security-forces-use-tear-gas-in-kangpokpi-to-disperse-highway-blockade-one-vehicle-attacked-1181003-2025-03-08?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-08 13:32:00
