Imphal: Manipur police have increased security measures in Kangpokpi district following a mob attack on the office of Superintendent of Police (SP) M Prabhakar, who was injured during the incident.
The attack occurred on the evening of January 3, as a group of protestors threw stones and projectiles at the SP’s office in response to the continued deployment of central armed forces, particularly the BSF and CRPF, in Saibol village.
The protestors’ anger stemmed from demands by Kuki groups to have the central forces removed from the region. In addition to the stone-throwing, the protestors reportedly launched petrol bombs at the SP’s office, damaging vehicles parked within the compound. SP Prabhakar was struck in the forehead by a projectile, but officials later confirmed that he was fine and continuing to lead the joint security forces managing the situation.
Police forces responded to the mob using “adequate force” to disperse the crowd, bringing the situation under control. A few protestors who sustained injuries were hospitalized, according to officials.
The unrest follows earlier protests by Kuki organizations after women from the community were allegedly baton-charged by security forces on December 31 for blocking their path in Saibol village. The women were protesting what they described as the “forceful occupation” of community bunkers by security personnel. This operation by the security forces had followed gunfights between armed groups, which left four people, including a police officer, injured.
In response to the continuing protests, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) in Kangpokpi announced an extension of its shutdown by another 24 hours, maintaining its opposition to the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces in the region.
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