Kangpokpi, January 4: Violence erupted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Friday night as a mob attacked the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP), leaving SP Manoj Prabhakar injured. Despite the attack, he led forces to restore order in the volatile area.
The unrest unfolded during a 24-hour shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity, representing the Kuki-Zo community. The shutdown was in response to recent confrontations between security forces and Kuki-Zo women in the district.
Protesters gathered at the SP’s office demanding the withdrawal of joint security forces stationed at Saibol village, where operations had been ongoing following gunfights in the region. The demonstration escalated into a violent attack, with assailants pelting stones, hurling petrol bombs, and damaging vehicles on the premises.
Videos from Kangpokpi show armed individuals in camouflage carrying sophisticated weapons, further heightening tensions.
The Manipur police issued a statement confirming the use of “adequate force” to disperse the mob, bringing the situation under control. “The SP received medical treatment and is fine now, currently leading joint security forces in managing the situation. Huge contingents of security forces have been deployed,” the statement read.
Locals estimate that 15 members of the mob were injured during the clash.
The violence in Kangpokpi comes after days of heightened tensions in the state. Earlier this week, joint security forces moved into Saibol village in response to gunfire incidents in nearby Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi villages. The operations aimed to dismantle bunkers used by armed groups in the region.
The security forces faced resistance from Kuki-Zo women, leading to a confrontation. Kuki groups claim several women were injured, including one seriously in the eye, prompting demands for the removal of security forces from the area.
In protest, the Kuki-Zo Council imposed an “economic blockade” on Friday, disrupting the movement of vehicles and essential goods in Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas. The blockade has intensified the already fragile situation in the state, with security forces closely monitoring developments.
The violence highlights the deep-seated ethnic and territorial tensions in Manipur, underscoring the challenges faced by authorities in restoring peace and order.