Imphal: At least one protester was killed, and over two dozen were injured in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday, even as the state administration, led by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, announced the reopening of ‘all roads’ in the state.
As anticipated, violent clashes erupted in the Keithelmanbi area along National Highway No. 2 when protesters attempted to block the highway and stop passenger vehicles from passing through Kangpokpi district.
According to reports, 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit sustained bullet injuries during the confrontation and succumbed to his wounds while being transported to the hospital. At least 16 other protesters were injured in clashes at Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi. Police confirmed that they were admitted to a nearby public health center for treatment.
Several security force personnel were also injured in the violence.
Earlier in the day, state police and central security forces restricted access to the highway as members of the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) attempted to lead a peace march toward Senapati district, passing through Kangpokpi.
FOCS president Thoidingjam Manihar stated that their march was in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent announcement in Delhi, where he assured that all roads in Manipur would be open to the public from March 8.
However, when the FOCS convoy reached the Kanglatongbi area, security forces stopped them, leading to a heated exchange.
Later, addressing the media at the FOCS office in North AOC, Manihar described the peace mission as largely successful but blamed the central government for failing to uphold its assurances. He urged both state and central leadership to refrain from making promises they could not fulfill.
When asked if FOCS would continue its planned rallies to Moreh and Churachandpur, Manihar said they would proceed only if the government provided full assurance that no restrictions would be imposed.
Meanwhile, as the FOCS team reached Awang Sekmai, they were greeted by a large gathering of women who expressed support and wished them well.
Conversely, a significant number of Kuki women and volunteers blocked roads near the so-called ‘buffer zone’ in areas around Kanglatongbi, Gamgiphai, and Motbung, further escalating tensions.
