Violent protest in Manipur district over detention of Kukis

Guwahati: Violent demonstrations broke out in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday as a group of Kukis protested against the alleged detention of seven villagers by security forces.

A senior police officer said that suspected Kuki militants were arrested by the CRPF's CoBRA unit during an operation near Chawangkining village, which had recently witnessed violence. The Naga-dominated area was attacked by armed militants.

The protesters claimed that seven villagers from Kholen were detained by security personnel. Agitators blocked roads and pelted stones at government vehicles, officials said.


The officials said that the security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, who also dug portions of National Highway 2 (Imphal to Dimapur) at Motbung. "A few protesters suffered injuries and were taken to a local hospital," an official said.

A senior official said that the seven villagers were later released by the security forces, following which the protest ended. "The situation is under control now," the official said.

Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the detention. As per agency reports, members of a women's organisation in Kakching district, Langmeidong Apunba Meira Paibi, staged a sit-in at Langmeidong, seeking the release of all arrested Meitei village volunteers.