1 Dead as Fresh Wave of Violence Engulfs Strife-Torn Manipur

At least one person was killed and dozens injured after the resumption of inter-district movement of civilians and essentials triggered a fresh wave of violence in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Saturday—officials aware of the matter said—rupturing the fragile peace maintained in the northeastern state for nearly four months.

- Thomas Ngangom

According to officials, protesters in the Kuki-dominated district held demonstrations at different places and attempted to stop a state transport bus, which was travelling from Imphal to Senapati district as part of the administration's efforts to ensure free movement of civilians across ethnic strongholds. The protesters set private vehicles ablaze, blocked highways, pelted stones and even fired at security personnel, prompting them to use force, they added.

"A huge mob started pelting stones towards the bus at Gamgiphai. The security forces used tear gas and minimum force to disperse the unruly mob. Further, roadblocks were put at various other places along the National Highway with huge numbers of protesters, including women and children trying to immobilise the movement of the bus... Amid the protest, there were incidents of firing from among the protesters towards the security forces," to which the security forces retaliated," the Manipur Police said in a statement.

A 30-year-old man, identified as Lalgouthang Singsit, received bullet wounds during the clash at Keithelmanbi, roughly 37km from Imphal, and died of the injuries, police said.

"The government directed us to ensure the free movement is not blocked... Unfortunately, one Kuki individual, Lalgouthang Singsit died, and several others were injured in the clashes. We exercised minimum force as there were many civilians present. There is some tension in some areas but the situation, as of now, is under control," a senior Manipur police officer said on condition of anonymity.