Violence Erupts in Manipur’s Kangpokpi District; Mob Attacks Superintendent of Police Office

Recent unrest hit Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Friday night as a mob attacked the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP), causing injuries to the SP and others.

Mob Attacks Police Office

According to a senior police officer, a group reportedly launched their assault by throwing stones and petrol bombs at the SP office. Superintendent of Police Manoj Prabhakar suffered a head injury but continued to oversee the situation as the town remained volatile throughout the night.

Context: Tribal Unity Committee’s Shutdown Call

The violence erupted during a 24-hour shutdown in the Kuki-Zo majority district, called by the Committee on Tribal Unity, representing Kuki-Zo groups’ interests. The shutdown was a response to a confrontation between security forces and Kuki-Zo women in the district on Tuesday.

Protest and Escalation

According to locals, a large protest took place during the day. Protesters later gathered outside the SP office demanding the removal of joint security forces stationed at Saibol village, who had been deployed since Tuesday after several days of gunfights in the area.

Mobs tried to seal the office, leading to a violent confrontation. Locals believe around 15 people from the mob were injured in the event.

Security Response

In a statement issued at night, the Manipur police confirmed that security forces had responded with adequate force to disperse the mob and that the situation was under control. Superintendent Manoj Prabhakar had received medical treatment and returned to his duties leading the joint security forces.

Huge contingents of security forces have since been deployed in the area, with the situation being closely monitored.

Previous Clashes

For several days prior to security forces moving into Saibol village, civilians and security personnel had been injured in gunfire in Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi villages in the Imphal East district. Security forces launched joint operations following these incidents, destroying multiple bunkers.

On Monday, security forces began trying to move into and occupy Saibol village. A security official explained that after firing continued for two to three days, security forces decided to occupy the area, facing opposition from women.

Following a confrontation, the forces dispersed the women with minimal force on Tuesday.

Kuki Groups’ Demands

Kuki groups claimed several women were injured, including one seriously in the eye. Since then, they have pressed for the removal of security forces from the area. An umbrella group called the Kuki-Zo Council declared an “economic blockade” on Friday in Kuki-Zo-inhabited parts of the state, blocking the movement of vehicles and transportation of essential commodities through these areas.