Daijiworld Media Network - Kangpokpi
Kangpokpi, Mar 8: Violence erupted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday, leading to the death of one protester and injuring at least 25 others, including women, during clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces.
The deceased has been identified as Lalgouthang Singsit, a 30-year-old man who sustained bullet injuries during the confrontations at Keithelmanbi. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital, according to police reports.
The injuries to the 25 other protesters were sustained during clashes at multiple locations, including Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi. They were treated at a nearby public health centre. The protesters had gathered in opposition to a directive by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which allows unrestricted movement across the state.
The situation escalated when police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. In retaliation, demonstrators set fire to private vehicles and attempted to block a state transport bus traveling from Imphal to Senapati district. The protestors also barricaded NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway), burning tyres to disrupt the flow of government vehicles.
The demonstration was also directed against a peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei group. The march, which involved over 10 vehicles, was stopped by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi. Police claimed the march was halted due to the lack of proper permission, with one officer stating, “We are just following orders. We have been told to stop the march.”
In response, members of FOCS argued they were adhering to Shah’s directive, which permitted free movement across the state starting Saturday.
Meanwhile, a video purportedly released by the Kuki-Zo village volunteers group, which has not been independently verified, voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision on free movement. The video, recorded in an undisclosed location, featured a volunteer stating, “Any attempt to enter our areas will be met with strong resistance. No free movement before separate administration.” The authenticity of the video remains unconfirmed.