On September 11, Manipur’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) K Kabib reported a series of protests across multiple districts over the past 24 hours, with the state’s police force working diligently to maintain law and order amid rising tensions.
According to IGP Kabib, while protests in areas such as Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Imphal West were mostly peaceful, specific regions experienced significant violence. Notably, in Imphal West, under the jurisdiction of Singamari and City Police Stations, protests turned hostile. Incidents of violence were reported at Kakwa Bazar, where demonstrators allegedly used firearms. In the Uripok area, protesters purportedly deployed petrol bombs, further escalating the unrest.
Clashes resulted in injuries on both sides, with more than ten police personnel, including a member of the Village Defense Force (VDF), injured during the altercations. To control the situation, law enforcement officials used tear gas to disperse the crowds. However, several protesters were also harmed in the process.
IGP Kabib expressed concerns about the involvement of students in these violent activities. Authorities discovered that many demonstrators were not locals, with several instigators and detained individuals identified as outsiders. Specifically, during the violent rally in Kakwa, those apprehended were reportedly from outside the community, suggesting external interference aimed at provoking unrest.
The situation remains tense but under control, as the Manipur police continue their efforts to stabilize the affected areas and prevent further escalation.
