India’s Northeast on the Brink: Tensions Flare as Protester Fatalities Rise in Clashes over Amit Shah’s Controversial Directive
Clashes Erupt in Manipur’s Kangpokpi District, Leaving One Dead and Many Injured
Violence erupted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday, leaving one person dead and at least 25 others, including women, injured. The clashes between Kuki protesters and security forces occurred in various parts of the district, with the protests intended to stop a peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization, reports PTI.
Lalgouthang Singsit, a 30-year-old man, was killed in the clashes after being shot in the chest. He died while being taken to the hospital. The protests were sparked by a directive from Union Home Minister Amit Shah allowing free movement across the state, which has been met with opposition from various groups. The protesters also set fire to private vehicles and tried to stop a state transport bus traveling from Imphal to Senapati district.
The peaceful march, which was aimed at promoting unity and understanding between different communities, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before entering the Kangpokpi district. FOCS members claimed they were acting in accordance with Shah’s directive, while the security forces insisted they were following orders to disperse the crowds. “We are just following orders. We have been told to stop the march. If they want to go, they can go in the state buses arranged by the government,” a police officer was quoted as saying.
The Kuki-Zo Council, a local organization, has imposed an indefinite shutdown in all Kuki-Zo areas, effective Saturday midnight. They urged the government to reconsider its stance to prevent further unrest and protect public safety. The council also warned that they cannot guarantee the free movement of Meiteis across buffer zones and cannot be held responsible for any untoward incidents.
The situation in the region remains tense, with authorities attempting to restore order. The Kuki-Zo Council released a video purportedly showing villagers opposing the government’s decision on free movement, with one volunteer stating, “Any attempt to enter our areas will be met with strong resistance. No free movement before separate administration.” While the authenticity of the video could not be verified, it highlights the deep-seated issues and concerns among the local communities.
In the midst of the unrest, the authorities are bracing for more violence, with the government and the opposition locked in a tense standoff. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: there is a need for dialogue and understanding to bring an end to the violence and restore peace to the region.
Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/news/india/manipur-on-edge-again-as-protester-killed-25-injured-in-clashes-over-amit-shah-free-movement-directive-1756341
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Publish Date: 2025-03-08 22:27:00
