Imphal on January 3, 2025: Tensions surge in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur when a large mob attacked the high offices of the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Deputy Commissioner, protesting against the continuing deployment of Central forces in the region.
This unrest left several persons injured, among them SP M Prabhakar, who suffered a head injury from a projectile.
Cause of Unrest
This incident is said to trigger resentment against the use of batons against women protestors during New Year’s Eve protests by security forces in Saibol village bordering Imphal East districts.
The incident triggered an uproar among Kuki organizations, which further led to demands for the withdrawal of central forces from the area.
On January 3, a large mob converged on Kangpokpi town of Manipur to agitate against the deployment of Central forces (the Border Security Forces and the Central Reserve Police Forces) in the reserved forest areas of the district. Some reports claimed that some of the protesters were armed.
The mob proceeded to unleash their ire on the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi, hurling stones, bricks, and other projectiles. Damages were done to several properties, including vehicles within the compound.
SP M Prabhakar, a bitter tension among the assailants, was injured on the forehead during the assault and was taken to a hospital without delay. There were also injuries among other police personnel and protestors, who, caught up in the turmoil, were quick to outdo one another.
And outdo they did; in a virtuoso of violence, the extra Central forces had to be rushed in to bring the situation into hand and to nip any direct escalation in the bud.
Demands and Statements of the Protesters
The protesters are demanding the immediate withdrawal of central security forces from the reserved forest land in Kangpokpi district. The demonstrations heard some claim they were from a different territory, telling of unaddressed territorial tensions.
Kuki organizations have been at the forefront of these protests, expressing dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of the situation. They accuse the administration of bias, and they have called for greater autonomy and federal intervention to address their concerns.
The authorities reiterated the trust of the state government to maintain law and order in the region. The attacks on police offices have drawn condemnation by the authorities, urging they allow the people to voice their grievances in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Security forces are asked to restrain themselves while ensuring the safety of public property and personnel.
In response to the recent violence, the government has appealed for calm and initiated discussions with community leaders in order to address the protesters’ demands. Efforts are underway to cool tensions and find a suitable arrangement regarding the deployment of security forces in the region.
Manipur has recently faced ethnic tensions between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zo tribes. Since May 2024, clashes have led to the deaths of more than 250 persons and displaced about 60,000 others. The district exists as an ethnic battleground on armed militias patrolling its designated regions.
Displaced persons are taken to relief camps where they live in sordid conditions, meal after meal, with no hope of returning to their homelands due to the threats posed.
The attack on the police offices in Kangpokpi reflects a situation that is volatile with the communities feeling grievances. For stakeholders to work together, constructive dialogues need to happen to bring peace to the affected region.
