Violence Erupts in Manipur's Kangpokpi District: One Protestor Killed, Several Injured in Clashes
Fresh violence in Manipur's Kangpokpi district resulted in the death of one protestor and injuries to over 40 others during clashes between Kuki agitators and security forces.
A fresh round of violence in Manipur's Kangpokpi district erupted on Saturday, resulting in the death of one protestor and injuries to over 40 others during clashes between Kuki agitators and security forces. The clashes occurred after police fired tear gas to disperse the Kuki demonstrators who were opposing Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive allowing free movement across the state.
Amid the violence and opposition, the Kuki Zo Council imposed an indefinite shutdown in all Kuki areas from Saturday midnight, urging the government to address underlying issues to prevent further unrest and protect public safety.
The Kuki Zo group stated that they could not guarantee free movement of Meiteis across the buffer zones and cannot take responsibility for any unfortunate incident.
One protestor who was killed in the clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces was identified as Lalgouthang Singsit, a 30-year-old. He succumbed to bullet injuries on the way to the hospital. At least 16 protestors suffered various injuries during clashes at Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi, with unofficial figures placing civilian injuries at over 23.
Meanwhile, Manipur police reported that at least 27 security personnel were injured in the violent clashes with the protesters, with incidents of firing from agitators prompting retaliatory measures.
The clashes began when a state transport bus traveling along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route was pelted with stones by a mob at Gamgiphai, leading security forces to use tear gas and minimum force to disperse the crowd, resulting in roadblocks and disruptions in government vehicle movements.
The protests also opposed a peace march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization, halting the march before it could reach Kangpokpi district. The FOCS objected to Amit Shah's instructions, stating they were following the allowance of free movement across the state from Saturday.
Reportedly, a purported video released by Kuki-Zo villagers expressed opposition to the central government's stance regarding free movement and demanded a separate administration, stating that any attempt to enter their areas would be met with strong resistance.
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