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Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has apologized for the caste violence that has been going on in the state for the last two years, but meanwhile there have been reports of clashes between Kuki-Jo women and security forces in Kangpokpi district. On Tuesday, a mob of women from the Kuki-Jo community clashed with security forces, again escalating tension in the state.
Clash near Thamanpokpi
The incident occurred in Uyokching area near Thamanpokpi. According to police, the mob tried to stop the deployment of the joint team of Army, BSF and CRPF. Police said that security forces used minimum force to control the situation and dispersed the crowd. At present the situation in the area is said to be under control.
Security forces have been deployed on the hill tops to increase patrolling in the area and prevent any untoward incident.
allegations of local people
After the incident, local people alleged that many people were injured in the action of security forces in Saibol village of Twitching. The area falls in a so-called ‘buffer zone’ between the Kuki-controlled hills and the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley. Local women alleged that security forces attacked them when they were protesting against the forceful occupation of community bunkers. In response to this, women also attacked.
Use of tear gas on protesters
A Kuki leader said the situation worsened when security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters. One protester described it as a “war zone-like atmosphere” and said, “We came to voice our concerns, but we were attacked.”
Demonstration on National Highway 2
After this incident, the Tribal Unity Committee (CoTU) blocked National Highway-2 indefinitely, demanding withdrawal of central forces from the area. This highway is the main route for supply of goods to the Meitei areas of Imphal Valley. The CoTU spokesperson said, “Our people have suffered a lot. The use of force on unarmed women is unacceptable.”
Government response and Chief Minister’s appeal
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has apologized for caste violence. He appealed to all communities to forget past mistakes and prosper the state with peace and unity. However, the government has not confirmed the number of injured people.
Growing controversy over the incident
The women’s wing of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) claimed that several women were injured in the use of force by the security forces. At the same time, due to the jam on NH-2, there is a possibility of disruption in the supply of goods in Imphal Valley, due to which the situation may become more serious.
This situation in Manipur shows that the wounds of ethnic conflict are still fresh. Despite the Chief Minister’s apology and appeal for peace, the administration faces major challenges in resolving these disputes.