Protests erupt in Manipur over detention of 7 Kuki villagers:Roads blocked, vehicles pelted with stones, tear gas fired

Violent protests broke out in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday night following the detention of seven Kuki village volunteers by security forces. The protests began around 10 pm and continued until midnight. Protesters blocked roads in Motbung and nearby areas, set tyres on fire and pelted government vehicles with stones. Security forces used several rounds of tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd. According to officials, the seven villagers were later released by the security forces, following which the protests ended. Authorities said the situation in the district is currently under control. Protesters claim villagers detained without explanation Protesters alleged that security forces detained seven people from Kholen village without giving any reason. Kholen is located near the Naga-dominated Chawangkining village in Kangpokpi district. The village had recently come under attack by armed miscreants. During Saturday night’s protests, protesters allegedly used heavy construction equipment to dig up sections of National Highway 2, which connects Imphal and Dimapur, in an attempt to prevent security force vehicles from moving through the area. Several people were injured during the clashes and were taken to a local hospital, officials said. Kuki organisation condemns alleged CRPF action The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex organisation representing the Kuki community, condemned the detention of the seven villagers and accused the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of carrying out the arrests. In a statement, KIM alleged that authorities had failed to take adequate action against those responsible for the killing of Kuki women by armed miscreants while detaining local civilians instead. The organisation termed the alleged detention a “serious failure in law enforcement” and demanded immediate action and accountability. KIM also alleged that security forces used force against civilians during protests over their safety and rights. The organisation claimed that live rounds were fired and vehicles were vandalised during the incident. These allegations have not been independently verified. Meitei group protests, seeks release of detained volunteers Meanwhile, a women’s organisation in Manipur’s Kakching district staged a sit-in after the seven Kuki village volunteers were released. Langmeidong Apunba Meira Paibi held the protest in Langmeidong and demanded the release of all detained Meitei village volunteers. The developments come amid continuing tensions between Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur, where security forces remain deployed in several sensitive areas.