Manipur Violence: Mob Attacks SP’s Office In Kangpokpi Over Deployment Of Central Forces, Cop Among Several Injured

Manipur Violence: A mob attacked the SP office in Kangpokpi district, protesting against the continued deployment of central forces in Saibol village. Several people, including the SP, were injured.

Manipur Violence: A mob attacked the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Friday evening, protesting against the continued deployment of central forces in Saibol village, located on the border of Imphal East district, officials said. The attack was reportedly in retaliation to the alleged baton charge on women by security forces on December 31 in Saibol village, which had sparked outrage among Kuki organisations.  

The violent incident left several people, including Kangpokpi SP M Prabhakar, other police personnel, and protesters injured, news agency PTI reported. 

According to officials cited by PTI, the mob hurled stones and other projectiles at the SP's office, damaging vehicles parked within its premises. SP Prabhakar sustained injuries to his forehead after being hit by a projectile and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Additional central forces were deployed to the area to restore order.  

Some armed men were seen carrying automatic weapons in Kangpokpi and taking charge of the highway, NDTV reported citing sources. Purported visuals of the violence on social media showed armed men were seen carrying automatic weapons.

Earlier in the day, a large number of protesters gathered in front of the SP’s office, demanding the removal of central forces from Saibol village. The protesters were reportedly angered by the presence of forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).  

Manipur News: 24-Hour Shutdown In Kangpokpi District

Last week, security forces conducted operations in Saibol village and its surrounding areas following gunfights between groups that injured four people, including a police personnel. In response to these operations, the Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) imposed an indefinite economic blockade on National Highway 2, a crucial transportation route connecting Imphal to Dimapur. Additionally, COTU observed a 24-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi district on Friday, PTI reported.

On the December 31 incident, Manipur police stated that security forces had fired tear gas shells after a group of women attempted to block the movement of a combined team of state and central forces in Saibol village.  

Since May 2023, ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has claimed over 250 lives and left thousands homeless.