Violent Protests Rock Manipur’s Kangpokpi After Detention of Six Villagers

Security personnel are seen during an operation in Manipur. Fresh protests erupted in Kangpokpi district late Saturday following the detention of six people from Kholen, with demonstrators blocking roads and damaging portions of National Highway-2. The six were subsequently released and authorities said the situation was under control. Photo: Arrangements

Protesters burn tyres, target government vehicles and dig up stretches of NH-2; security forces use tear gas before the six detainees are released

Key Highlights

• Protests erupted in Motbung and adjoining areas of Kangpokpi late Saturday
• Demonstrators opposed the detention of six people from Kholen
• Tyres were burnt and stones allegedly thrown at government vehicles
• Portions of National Highway-2, linking Imphal and Dimapur, were dug up using heavy machinery
• Security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters
• Several protesters were reported injured and taken to a local hospital
• The six detainees were subsequently released, after which the protests ended
• Authorities said the situation was under control on Sunday

Guwahati: Fresh unrest broke out in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district late Saturday after the detention of six people triggered protests by members of the Kuki community, once again highlighting the fragile security situation in parts of the state.

The demonstrations began at around 10 pm in Motbung and neighbouring areas and continued until approximately midnight. Officials said protesters burnt tyres on roads and pelted government vehicles with stones.

The protesters alleged that security forces had detained six people from Kholen without providing a reason. Reports described those detained as village volunteers, although some other reports, citing security-related accounts, described them as suspected militants. This distinction remains contested in reporting on the incident.

NH-2 Dug Up as Protest Escalates

As tensions intensified, protesters used heavy construction equipment to dig up portions of National Highway-2 at Motbung, apparently attempting to prevent security-force vehicles from moving through the area.

NH-2 is a strategically important road connecting Imphal with Dimapur, and disruption along the highway can affect movement between Manipur and neighbouring Nagaland.

Security forces responded by firing several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. Several demonstrators sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital, according to officials.

The confrontation unfolded against an already tense local backdrop. Kholen lies close to Chawangkining, a Naga-majority village where houses had recently been attacked and set ablaze by armed assailants.

Six Released, Protest Ends

The immediate confrontation eventually subsided after security forces released the six detained people.

A senior official said the demonstrations ended following their release and that the situation was subsequently brought under control.

The sequence—from detention to street mobilisation, disruption of a major highway and intervention by security forces—underlines how quickly local incidents can generate wider tensions in Manipur.

It also demonstrates the importance of clear communication between security agencies, local communities and civil authorities in areas where mistrust remains high.

While calm returned after the detainees were released, the latest episode adds another layer to the continuing security challenges facing Kangpokpi and surrounding areas.