Protests Erupt in Manipur Over Security Forces' Actions

Protests Lead to Suspension of Traffic on National Highway-202

Imphal, June 8: The movement of vehicles on 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 alleged actions, stating that several women suffered serious injuries during the incident, and declared that the protests would persist until further notice.

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

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

Local groups, including KKL, Katho Long, and the Katho Women Coordination Committee (KWCC), have opposed the outpost's deployment, claiming it was set up without prior consultation or permission from the village authority of Shokvao.

These organizations further alleged that the outpost's establishment contravened the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956, undermining local administrative authority.

Community representatives noted that repeated requests for the withdrawal of security personnel from the site had gone unanswered.

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

While no injuries were officially confirmed at that time, the incident sparked widespread anger among local organizations, which held the security forces accountable for any negative developments stemming from their ongoing presence.

No immediate response was provided 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 charge, 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's Director General of Police Mukesh Singh in Kangpokpi on Sunday (Photo: AT)

Singh emphasized the importance of professionalism and neutrality in policing, assuring that the police would act fairly and impartially in all matters.

He stated, "The police are expected to be fair, and my directive to everyone is to handle any case impartially. Our actions will be neutral, and any legal violations will be addressed according to legal procedures."

Singh 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 with one another and strive for peaceful coexistence.