Free Movement | One Protestor Killed, Over 40 Injured in Kangpokpi Clashes

Kangpokpi, March 9: At least one protestor lost their life, and over 40 others sustained injuries following violent clashes with security forces in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday. The unrest erupted when protestors from the Kuki-Zo community took to the streets to block the movement of a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus traveling from Imphal Valley to Kangpokpi.

The bus service, part of the Union Government’s initiative to restore free movement of goods and people across the strife-torn state, faced strong opposition from the protestors. The deceased reportedly sustained bullet injuries at Keithelmanbi, while over 30 protestors were injured at Gamgiphai and another 15 at Keithelmanbi. Among the injured, one individual has been referred to Guwahati for treatment due to cornea damage.

The MST bus was first blocked at Gamgiphai, but security personnel managed to clear the obstruction. However, at Keithelmanbi Military Colony, approximately 5 km from Kangpokpi District Headquarters, a large gathering of Kuki-Zo protestors once again halted the bus and its security escort. The situation escalated as protestors hurled stones and concrete blocks to prevent the bus from proceeding further.

In a significant act of violence, a Border Security Force (BSF) vehicle traveling towards Imphal was also torched by the demonstrators.

It is noteworthy that the MST service was inaugurated with its first bus flagged off from Imphal Airport for Senapati via Kangpokpi. The bus, which had only two passengers and a driver, was under the escort of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) when the clashes erupted.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and security measures have been heightened in the region to prevent further unrest.