Violent protests broke out in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday night. Protesters blocked roads in Motbung and surrounding areas, set tyres on fire and pelted vehicles with stones.
The protesters also dug up National Highway 2 to prevent vehicles from moving forward. The highway connects Imphal with Dimapur. Security forces, however, fired several rounds of tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd.
The protesters were opposing the detention of seven Kuki villagers from Kholen village. Videos that surfaced on social media also appeared to show protesters firing at vehicles.
According to news agency PTI, security forces later released all seven village volunteers. The protests ended after their release. The situation is currently under control.
Kuki organisation condemns CRPF action
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex organisation of the Kuki community, condemned the detention of the seven villagers. The organisation accused the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of detaining them.
In a statement, KIM said authorities had not taken adequate action against those responsible for the killing of Kuki women by armed miscreants. Instead, local civilians were detained.
The organisation described the detention as a “serious failure in law enforcement” and demanded immediate action and accountability.
KIM also alleged that security forces used force against civilians who were peacefully protesting for their rights and safety. The organisation claimed that live rounds were fired and vehicles were vandalised during the incident.
Demand for release of Meitei volunteers
Meanwhile, a women’s organisation in Kakching district staged a protest after the detained Kuki village volunteers were released.
Langmeidong Apunba Meira Paibi held a sit-in protest in Langmeidong and demanded the release of all arrested Meitei volunteers.
Violence has continued in Manipur since 2023, tensions rose again from February this year
Violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur began on May 3, 2023. The state has remained tense since then. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands displaced in the violence. Incidents of firing, arson and clashes have continued to occur intermittently.
In February this year, fresh tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities began in Liton village in Ukhrul. Violence subsequently increased in the hill areas. In September, incidents of killings, firing and arson were reported in Tamenglong and Kangpokpi.
According to local organisations, around 40 people have been killed in the conflict since February.
The state government had told the Assembly that at least 306 people had been killed in Manipur since the ethnic violence began on May 3, 2023, with 49 people still missing as of August.
