It was the day for free movement as declared by the Governor of Manipur and the state government planned to make the National Highways safer for people to commute without any hindrance.

Tensions flared in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday as security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters opposing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive for unrestricted movement across the state. 

Clashes erupted between demonstrators and security personnel, with protestors resorting to stone-pelting, resulting in multiple injuries.

 The unrest escalated when protesters set fire to private vehicles and attempted to halt the movement of a state transport bus traveling from Imphal to Senapati district. Demonstrators also blocked the NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway), burning tyres and gathering in large numbers to obstruct government vehicles.

 The protest was also aimed at a peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization. The march, which involved over ten vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could enter Kangpokpi district. Authorities stated that the march lacked official permission.

 “We are simply following orders. The march has been stopped as per instructions. If participants wish to travel, they can use the state buses arranged by the government,” said a police officer on duty. However, FOCS members argued that they were acting in accordance with Amit Shah’s directive, which allows free movement across the state from March 8.

 Meanwhile, a video purportedly released by the Kuki-Zo village volunteers group from an undisclosed location condemned the government’s decision on free movement and reiterated their demand for a separate administration. “Any attempt to enter our areas will be met with strong resistance. No free movement before separate administration,” a masked volunteer was heard saying in the video. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.

With tensions running high, security forces remain on alert as authorities attempt to maintain law and order in the region.

  At least 20 tribal people were injured, some seriously, after security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters blocking a peace expedition convoy on National Highway 102 at Gamgiphai in Manipur‘s Kangpokpi district on Saturday.

 Security personnel reportedly fired 30-35 rounds of tear gas and used lathi charges to disperse protesters who were throwing stones at a bus participating in the peace rally. The injured, primarily women, were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

 The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed tear gas against demonstrators attempting to halt a passenger bus traveling from Imphal Airport to Senapati district headquarters via Kangpokpi district.

 The Kuki-Zo community in Kangpokpi district opposes the unrestricted movement on National Highway 102, which was initiated as part of a peace plan supported by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

 The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur, and its allied organizations, representing the Meitei community, support the central government’s initiative and organized the peace march.

 The convoy, which had previously been halted at Sekmai but resumed under security escort, faced renewed protests at Gamgiphai.

Protesters attempted to stop the bus and pelted it with stones, leading security forces to use tear gas to clear the route, allowing the bus to proceed to Senapati.

 The Kuki-Zo community is advocating for a separate state within Manipur, while the Meitei community is calling for the preservation of the state’s territorial integrity.

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