Manipur On Edge Again As 1 Protester Killed, 25 Injured In Clashes Over Govt’s Free Movement Order

Protests against Amit Shah's free movement directive in Manipur's Kangpokpi district turned violent, leading to one death and 25 injuries among the Kuki protesters.

Clashes erupted in Manipur's Kuki-dominated areas, including Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi. Vehicles were damaged, and the NH-2 highway was blocked.

Source : X/@jeegujja

One protester was killed, and at least 25 others, including women, were injured in clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces in different parts of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Lalgouthang Singsit, a 30-year-old who sustained bullet injuries during the clashes at Keithelmanbi and died while being taken to hospital, police said.  

Clashes erupted in Kuki-dominated areas, including Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi, after security forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive allowing free movement across the state, news agency PTI reported. Police confirmed that at least 25 protesters sustained various injuries and were admitted to a nearby public health centre for treatment.  

The situation escalated when protesters set fire to private vehicles and attempted to stop a state transport bus traveling from Imphal to Senapati district. Demonstrators also blocked NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) and burned tyres to prevent the movement of government vehicles.  

Meitei Group's Peace March Halted Amid Protests

The protests were also aimed at stopping a peace march organised by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation. The march, which involved over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could enter Kangpokpi district.  

“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 police officer said, as quoted by PTI.  

FOCS members, however, objected, stating they were acting in accordance with Shah’s directive, which allowed free movement across the state from Saturday.  

A purported video released by Kuki-Zo village volunteers from an undisclosed location opposed the government of India’s decision on free movement and demanded a separate administration. "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.

ABP could not independently check the veracity of the video.

Kuki-Zo Council Imposes Indefinite Shutdown In All Kuki-Zo Areas

In response to the directive, the Kuki-Zo Council has imposed an indefinite shutdown in all Kuki-Zo areas from Saturday midnight. “It is crucial for the central government to address the underlying issues to prevent further unrest and protect public safety. The Kuki-Zo Council urges the government to reconsider its stance to avoid further escalation of tension and violent confrontation,” the council said in a statement.  

The council further warned, “We cannot guarantee free movement of Meiteis across buffer zones and cannot take responsibility for any untoward incidents.”  

The situation remains tense in the region as authorities attempt to restore order.