9 March 2025: At least 27 security personnel sustained injuries, including two in critical condition, after a violent clash with attackers along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route yesterday.
The clash erupted when an MST (Manipur State Transport) bus, operating under security escort, was attacked by a mob at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district.
Amidst heavy stone pelting, the use of catapults, and gunfire from armed miscreants, security forces retaliated, leading to 16 protesters being injured and one fatality.
The situation escalated as protesters, including women and children, set up roadblocks along the National Highway, using felled trees, large stones, and burning tires to obstruct movement. Security forces, exercising restraint, deployed tear gas and minimal force to disperse the mob.
However, as firing reportedly came from among the protesters, security personnel were compelled to respond. Additionally, two security force vehicles were torched by the protesters.
On the other hand, the Manipur Police has refuted claims made by the Kuki-Zo Council and the Kuki Students’ Organization, which alleged that security forces were escorting local protesters. They have dismissed these statements as “baseless and false.”
The incident comes amid the government’s initiative to restore normalcy by resuming MST bus services under security escort.
While transport along the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur and Churachandpur-Bishnupur-Imphal routes proceeded without disruption, the unrest in Kangpokpi highlights the ongoing volatility in the region.
