Mob Attacks Manipur Transport Bus In Kangpokpi, Forces Use Tear Gas As Services Resume After 2 Years

Inter-district bus services resumed in Manipur after two years, but a bus bound for Senapati district was attacked by a mob in Kangpokpi.

A bus was attacked by a mob in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Saturday. (Representational Image)

Source : PTI

A state transport bus was attacked in Manipur's Kangpokpi on Saturday after inter-district bus services resumed in the violence-hit state. The bus services were resumed from Imphal to hill districts two years after ethnic strife broke out in the state. 

The bus, bound for Senapati district, was attacked when a mob pelted stones at it in Kangpokpi district's Gamgiphai area, officials said, reported PTI. 

Security forces fired tear gas shells and resorted to lathi-charge on the mob, resulting in injuries to some demonstrators. 

On Saturday, buses to the hill districts of Churachandpur and Senapati were flagged off at 10 am without any passengers. The officials said the vehicles were escorted by a large convoy of central forces, including army personnel. 

The bus bound for Churachandpur reached Kangvai after crossing the Bishnupur district without any hindrance. The Senapati-bound bus via Kangpokpi did not face any hindrance or blockade till Kanglatongbi in Imphal West district, they added, as per the report.

Resumption Of Inter-District Bus Service 

The inter-district bus service resumed after Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the security forces to ensure free movement of people on all routes in Manipur from March 8. He also called for strict action against those creating obstructions.

In a security review meeting assessing the situation in Manipur, Shah said the Centre remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in the state and is providing all necessary assistance in this regard.

The meeting took place for the first time following the imposition of the President's rule in the state after the resignation of N Biren Singh as the chief minister. 

The state has been witnessing ethnic clashes since May 2023 claiming the lives of over 250 people and leaving thousands internally displaced.