Fresh unrest gripped Manipur's Kangpokpi district late Saturday night after security forces detained six local villagers, triggering widespread anger across Motbung and nearby settlements. The sudden action prompted crowds to pour into the streets, resulting in intense confrontations between residents and law enforcement personnel.
Midnight Clashes and Attacks on Official Vehicles
According to administrative officials, the agitation flared up around 10 pm and persisted past midnight. Demonstrators set tyres on fire along key transit routes and pelted stones at passing government vehicles. Agitators contended that the six detained individuals from Kholen had been picked up arbitrarily without any official justification offered to the community.
National Highway-2 Dug Up to Halt Movement
To prevent security personnel and official convoys from traversing the corridor, protesters deployed heavy earth-moving equipment at Motbung. Critical sections of National Highway-2, the vital arterial route connecting Imphal with Dimapur, were excavated and damaged. As clashes escalated, security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the surging crowd. Several demonstrators sustained injuries in the melee and were promptly transported to a local hospital for emergency medical attention.
Tensions Linked to Attacks Near Chawangkining
The village of Kholen is situated adjacent to Chawangkining, a Naga-dominated area that recently faced targeted attacks by unidentified armed miscreants. That earlier violence had already created deep apprehension across the pocket, and the sudden detention of villagers quickly reignited local anxieties.
Quiet Returns Following Release of Volunteers
Order was restored after security forces released the six detained village volunteers, according to a senior official. Following their return, the demonstrations wound down, bringing the situation under firm administrative control. Authorities continue to monitor the sensitive sector closely to maintain peace.
