SP, others injured in mob attack in Manipur’s Kangpokpi

Guwahati: Police persons including SP of conflict-torn Manipur's Kangpokpi district were injured after protesters belonging to Kuki-Zo communities attacked the SP office on Friday evening.

The protesters were demanding removal of central paramilitary forces such as BSF and CRPF from Saibol area, where several women protesters were injured during a clash with the security forces on December 31.

Official sources said SP Kangpokpi, Manoj Prabhakar received multiple injuries on his head due to pelting of stones by a mob. A few other police persons were also injured.

In a statement, Manipur Police at around 11pm said the protest was organised by Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki-Zo organisation, and the protesters pelted stones and petrol bombs at the SP office. Security forces retaliated and controlled the situation. A large number of forces were deployed in the area, police said.

The situation turned volatile after the protesters tried to lock the office of the SP, who according them, failed to meet their demand for removal of the central paramilitary forces. The women were injured on December 31 when they staged a protest demanding removal of the paramilitary forces. The Kuki groups demand that only Army and Assam Rifles should be allowed to stay in the area.

The paramilitary forces launched an operation in Kangpokpi and removed several "bunkers" of the armed Kuki persons after they allegedly resorted to firing targeting the Meiteis in neigbouring Imphal East district, recently.

Several Kuki-Zo organisations including the Kuki Zo Council served "ultimatum" for 12 hours for withdrawal of the forces, failing which they threatened to launch an economic blockade.

The Kuki-Meitei conflict since May 2023 has killed more than 250 persons and left over 60,000 others displaced. The sporadic incidents of violence have continued despite presence of a large number of central security forces including the army.