There is an unrest growing in Kangpokpi district as residents protest demanding to move central forces out of a Kuki village.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla reviewed the State’s security situation on Saturday, less than 24 hours after he was sworn in and a mob clashed with the police in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district.
The district’s Superintendent of Police M. Prabhakar was among those injured in the Friday night attacks as locals threw stones and other “projectiles” in protest demanding to move central forces out of a strategic Kuki village adjoining a Meitei-inhabited area.
The Kuki-Zo and Meitei people have been caught in an ethnic clash since May 3, 2023.
Mr. Bhalla held a meeting with senior officers of police, Army and paramilitary forces at the Raj Bhavan in the State’s capital Imphal to assess the prevailing law-and-order situation and examine the security arrangements, with a special focus on the Manipur-Myanmar border and arterial highways connecting Imphal Valley to the country beyond.
“The Governor instructed the Director General of Police (Rajiv Singh) to prioritise the safety and security of the people and urged the Army and paramilitary forces to cooperate with the administration in maintaining the law and order,” a police officer said.
‘Disregard for tribal rights and dignity’
On Friday, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) extended its total shutdown in the Kuki-Zo areas for another 24 hours. The shutdown was earlier imposed till 2 a.m. on January 4 to protest the “disregard for tribal rights and dignity” by the State and Central governments.
Renewing its demand for the withdrawal of central armed police forces in Kangpokpi district’s Saibol Bungpi area, the CoTU said the prolonged deployment of central forces “stationed unjustly” in the tribal area was a direct affront to fair policing and community rights. Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force personnel are deployed in the area.
“The CoTU is perturbed by the action of the Superintendent of Police towards the Kangpokpi public protesters who have high hopes and expectations from him for the removal of all central forces... This extended shutdown reflects the people’s growing anger and disappointment,” a Committee spokesperson said.
The Committee asked the authorities to act swiftly, warning of intensified protests if their demands remain unmet. It has also urged civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and the public to stand in solidarity with the people of Sadar Hills (Kangpokpi).
Vigil up
The Manipur police beefed up security in Kangpokpi district after the Superintendent of Police was injured in the mob attack. Police vehicles parked in the SP’s office were also vandalised.
Some armed extremists were allegedly among the attackers who threw stones and petrol bombs.
“The security forces used adequate force to disperse the mob and bring the situation under control,” a district police officer said.
Meanwhile, Manipur’s Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has proposed to construct 15,000 houses as a special package for people displaced by the ongoing ethnic conflict.
He made the proposal to Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a virtual meeting on the progress of rural development in the State.
“The Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned the construction of 7,000 houses at the cost of ₹1.3 lakh each. Given that 60,000 people have been displaced, we have sought 15,000 houses at ₹5 lakh each as essential construction items are expensive in Manipur, a border state with geographical issues,” he said.
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