Kangpokpi unrest ends after security forces release six detained villagers

Violent protests broke out in Manipur's Kangpokpi district after six villagers were detained by security forces, officials said on Sunday. The unrest, involving a section of people from the Kuki community, ran from about 10 p.m. on Saturday until around midnight in Motbung and adjoining areas.

Agitators burnt tyres on the roads and pelted stones at government vehicles. They claimed the six residents of Kholen had been picked up by security forces without any stated reason.

Kholen lies close to Chawangkining, a Naga-dominated village in the district, and had recently come under attack by armed miscreants.

Security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to break up the crowds. Protesters also used heavy construction equipment to dig up stretches of National Highway-2, the Imphal-Dimapur route, at Motbung in an attempt to stop security vehicles from moving through.

A few of those taking part in the demonstrations were injured and were admitted to a local hospital.

A senior official said the detained village volunteers were released by security forces soon after, following which the protests came to an end. The situation in the area is under control, the official added.