One person has died and 25 others, including women, were injured after clashes erupted between Kuki demonstrators and security forces in different parts of Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Saturday.
This happened soon after the police stopped a peace march conducted by a Meitei body in Manipur's Imphal West district on Saturday as the programme coincided with the government's initiative to resume inter-district bus services to ensure free movement of people.
Security forces reportedly stopped the procession, taken out by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations at Sekmai, some 18 km from Imphal, and asked the organisers to join the government's free movement initiative.
Clashes In Kangpokpi Leads To Death Of Protester
The police told PTI that the deceased has been identified as Lalgouthang Singsit. The 30-year-old received bullet injuries during the clashes at Keithelmanbi and died on the way to hospital.
At least 25 protesters sustained different types of injuries during the clashes with security forces at Gamgiphai, Motbung and Keithelmanbi, police said, adding they have been admitted to the nearby public health centre for treatment.
Why Were They Protesting?
The protest was directed against a peace march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation. The march, involving over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi district.
When the members of the Meitei body was stopped to conduct their peace march, they insisted that free movement means travel by anybody and demanded that they be allowed to go in the vehicles arranged by them.
Federation of Civil Society Organisations president T Manihar said, "The purpose of the march is to bring peace in the state. If the government is not in a position to allow the free movement of the public, what is the need for making the announcement?"
One police officer told PTI, "If they (volunteers) wanted to participate in the free movement initiative, they may go through the vehicles arranged by the government."
Soon the clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces in the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district after police fired tear gas to disperse them.
According to reports, the situation worsened when protesters set fire to private vehicles and attempted to stop a state transport bus traveling from Imphal to Senapati district.
Protesters reportedly also blocked NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) and burned tyres to obstruct movement of government vehicles.
Meanwhile, a purported video released by Kuki-Zo village volunteers group from an undisclosed location said it was against the government of India's decision regarding free movement and demanded a separate administration. The authenticity of the video could not be corroborated by PTI.
"Any attempt to enter our areas will be met with strong resistance. No free movement before separate administration" a volunteer was heard saying in the video.
What Did Police Say?
Police claimed they had been told to stop the march as they did not have permission.
"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 policeman said.
However, FOCS members objected saying they were just following what Shah's instruction allowing free movement across the state from Saturday.
Amit Shah's Recent Announcement
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently directed security forces to ensure free movement of people on all routes in Manipur from March 8 and also called for strict action against those creating obstructions. The inter-district bus services resumed on Saturday as well.
Chairing a meeting to review the security situation of the northeastern state, he said the Centre remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Manipur and is providing all necessary assistance in this regard.
This was the first such meeting held after the imposition of the President's rule in the northeastern state, which has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 2023. Over 250 people have lost their lives in the violence.
