Over 15 Injured in Confrontation with Security Forces During Protest Against Violence in Manipur
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Imphal, Dec 31 (NationPress) More than 15 individuals, predominantly women, sustained injuries during a confrontation with security personnel at Uyokching in the tribal-dominated Kangpokpi District of Manipur on Tuesday. This incident occurred as they were protesting against the ongoing violence in the region, according to officials.
A police spokesperson reported that over 15 individuals, primarily women, were injured, with two suffering serious injuries, when tribal women clashed with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) during the protest in the tribal-dominated Uyokching area of Kangpokpi District.
As per a statement from the Manipur Police, a large contingent of women attempted to prevent the deployment of the Army, BSF, and CRPF at Uyokching, close to Thamnapokpi.
“The combined security forces dispersed the gathering with minimal force, and the situation is now peaceful and under control. The security forces were stationed at the hilltop to assert control and avert any possible incidents in the area,” the statement added.
Numerous tribal organizations, including the Women Wing of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), Kuki Inpi Manipur, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, and Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum, reported that more than 30 women were injured in the clash with security forces.
These organizations have condemned the incident vehemently.
The Women Wing of the ITLF accused the security forces of launching a brutal assault on the protesters on Tuesday, which led to serious injuries for over 30 women, including one with a severe head injury, characterizing it as a blatant violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of the Kuki-Zo community.
The organization emphasized the alarming nature of the incident, especially during the Christmas-New Year season, a period traditionally associated with peace, love, and joy.
“Instead, the actions of the CAPF have instilled fear, trauma, and suffering within the community. This incident has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Kuki-Zo community, prompting global scrutiny of the Saibul-Twichin incident. We demand the CAPF to immediately halt their intrusive operations and allow the population to celebrate the New Year peacefully,” stated the ITLF.
The Women Wing of the ITLF called on the government to cease attacks on the Kuki-Zo communities, insisting that necessary measures be implemented to prevent future occurrences and that those responsible for the violence be held accountable.
“In the interest of maintaining peace within the state, we urge the government to put an end to the attacks by the Meitei community on Kuki-Zo villages. The ITLF Women Wing stands united with the Kuki-Zo women in the Saibul-Twichin area and demands justice for the victims assaulted by the CAPF,” concluded the statement.
