Manipur: Protester Killed, 27 Police Injured in Clashes
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Synopsis
In Manipur, clashes erupted resulting in one protester's death and injuries to 43 others, including 27 security personnel. The unrest was fueled by protests against resumed bus services between Imphal and hill districts, leading to significant public disruption and police action.
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted over bus service resumption.
- 43 individuals injured, including 27 security personnel.
- One protester died from injuries sustained.
- Security forces employed restraint amid violence.
- Search operations led to recovery of arms.
Imphal, March 8 (NationPress) In a series of violent clashes across various districts, 43 individuals, including 27 security personnel, sustained injuries, and one protester tragically lost their life. This unrest was sparked by protests from the Kuki-Zo tribal organizations against the reestablishment of bus services between Imphal and the hill districts.
A senior police official indicated that, in an effort to ease public hardships, the Manipur State Transport Corporation (MSTC) resumed bus operations under security supervision effective Saturday, aiming to restore normalcy in the region.
Vehicles transporting LPG gas and oil tankers also operated smoothly along the routes from Imphal to Bishnupur, Churachandpur, and back without interruptions.
However, disturbances arose when MSTC buses traveling on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route were met with a large crowd throwing stones at the bus in Gamgiphai, Kangpokpi District. Security forces responded by deploying tear gas and exercising restraint to disperse the aggressive crowd.
Roadblocks were established at multiple locations along the National Highway, with large groups of protesters, including women and children, attempting to obstruct bus movement by felling trees and placing large rocks on the road, as well as burning tires, according to the official report.
During the protests, incidents of gunfire from among the demonstrators were reported, prompting a response from the security forces.
The official noted that due to excessive stone-throwing, the use of slingshots, and gunfire from armed assailants within the crowd, 27 security personnel were injured, with two suffering critical injuries.
Despite the situation, the security forces demonstrated remarkable restraint while managing the unruly crowd and employed minimal force to counteract the violent actions of anti-social elements, including gunfire from armed individuals among the protesters.
In the midst of the clashes, 16 protesters were also reported injured, with one eventually succumbing to their injuries. Additionally, two security vehicles were reportedly set ablaze by protesters.
The police official further clarified that allegations made by the Kuki Zo Council and the Kuki Students' Organization claiming that security forces escorted local protesters are entirely unfounded and incorrect.
Security forces conducted search operations and area control in the border and vulnerable regions of the hill and valley districts, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.
Following directions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Manipur government announced the resumption of passenger bus services starting Saturday between Imphal and four other districts: Senapati, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur.
