Manipur: Protests break out in Kangpokpi after six Kuki men detained

Protests broke out in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday after six Kuki men were allegedly detained by security forces, reported PTI.

The protesters burned tyres on the roads and threw stones at government vehicles, the news agency quoted unidentified officials as saying on Sunday. They alleged that security personnel had detained the Kuki men without providing any reason.

They also dug portions of National Highway-2, which goes from Imphal to Dimapur, at Motbung to prevent security forces’ vehicles from moving, the officials alleged. Security personnel fired tear gas to force the protesters to disperse.

The protests had started around 10 pm on Saturday. Some of the demonstrators suffered injuries and were hospitalised.

The six Kuki men were subsequently released, after which the protest ended, reported PTI.

The men were natives of Kholen village, located close to the Naga-dominated Chawangkining village.

Unidentified persons had on Tuesday opened fire in the village at around 10.30 pm, reported India Today NE.

The Committee on Tribal Unity had alleged that cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah and Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson were involved in the firing.

Tensions between the Kukis and the Nagas escalated in Manipur in February after an alleged assault involving members of the Tangkhul Naga and the Kuki-Zo communities in the Ukhrul district.

This followed the ethnic clashes that broke out in Manipur in...

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