Protests Erupt in Manipur Over Security Forces' Actions

In Imphal, protests led by the student organization KKL have resulted in the indefinite suspension of traffic on National Highway-202. This action follows allegations of excessive force used by security personnel against KKL's president and local women during a protest against a new Assam Rifles outpost. The organization claims that several women were injured and demands immediate action from authorities. The situation escalated during a confrontation between local women and security forces, leading to widespread resentment in the community. The Director General of Police has since visited the area, emphasizing the need for impartial policing and community harmony.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2026, 12:53 IST

Protests Lead to Suspension of Traffic on National Highway-202

Student body KKL placing boulders and barriers to restrict vehicular movement along NH-202 on Monday (Photo: AT)

Imphal, June 8: Traffic along National Highway-202 has been halted indefinitely following a directive from the student organization Katho Katamnao Long (KKL) on Monday.

KKL announced that this indefinite restriction was a response to the alleged excessive force used against its president and 22 Tangkhul Naga women by security personnel in Ukhrul district on Sunday.

The organization condemned the incident, claiming that numerous women suffered serious injuries and stated that their protests would persist until further notice.

They called on the public and transport operators to support their movement and urged authorities to resolve the situation promptly.

This suspension follows a tense confrontation at New Heaven in Ukhrul district, where Naga women were protesting against the establishment of a temporary Assam Rifles outpost.

Local groups, including KKL, Katho Long, and the Katho Women Coordination Committee (KWCC), have voiced their opposition to the outpost, alleging it was set up without prior consultation with the village authority of Shokvao.

These organizations further claimed that the establishment of the outpost contravened the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956, and undermined local governance.

Community representatives noted that their repeated requests for the withdrawal of security forces from the area had been ignored.

During the protest on Sunday, local women confronted Assam Rifles personnel, resulting in a standoff where tear gas was reportedly used to disperse the crowd.

While no injuries were officially reported at that time, the incident sparked significant anger among local organizations, which held the security forces accountable for any potential unrest stemming from their ongoing presence.

No immediate comments were made by the Assam Rifles or district administration regarding the allegations.

Later that day, Manipur's Director General of Police Mukesh Singh visited Kangpokpi and Senapati districts for the first time since taking office, describing it as an outreach initiative.

During his visit, Singh spoke to the media, stating he had engaged with civil society groups and district police officials to evaluate the current law and order situation.

Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh in Kangpokpi on Sunday (Photo: AT)

Singh emphasized the importance of professionalism and impartiality in policing, assuring that the police would act fairly in all situations.

"The police must be just, and my directive to everyone is to handle cases impartially. Our actions will be neutral, and any legal violations will be addressed according to the law," he stated.

He also suggested that adjustments within the security framework might be made based on feedback from district authorities.

In a call for unity, the DGP encouraged individuals from various communities to connect and strive for peaceful coexistence.