Kpi mob targets PS, SP hurt

By Our Staff Reporter

IMPHAL, Jan 3 : A massive protest rocked Kangpokpi against the deployment of Central forces at villages bordering Imphal East today as a large number of Kuki Zo people assisted by armed individuals attacked the SP office today.

It is reported that Kangpokpi SP Manoj Prabhakar got injured in the attack as he was hit by a pelted object on the head. The SP is undergoing treatment at the nearby hospital and his condition is said to be stable

Some police vehicles parked in the compound of the SP's office were also torched by the mob.

Clips of the protesters pelting stones and projectiles at the SP's office and armed individuals in combat fatigues marching the streets of Kangpokpi have also gone viral on the social media.

While some clips showed a mob attacking the SP's office, some others showed the mob praising the individuals who are suspected to be militants marching the streets with sophisticated weapons.

About 15 protesters including men and women were also injured in the incident as the security forces tried to disperse them.

The controversy began when the SP reportedly assured the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) leaders that the Central security forces from the currently deployed at Saibol would be replaced within three hours by forces from Kangpokpi police and Kangpokpi-based Central units. However, as the hours passed without any action, frustration boiled over into fury.

Around 7 pm, the mob marched towards the SP office and attempted to seal the office.

The situation escalated as the protesters pelted stones and other projectiles at the SP's office.

As the situation escalated, the security forces stationed inside the office fired tear gas shells and some rounds in the air to disperse them.

The situation is still tense in Kangpokpi.

Meanwhile, a Kuki organisation has called a shutdown in all areas in Manipur where the Kuki tribes are settled, days after protesters tried to stop Central security forces from dismantling bunkers in the hills. Several protesters were injured.

The Kuki-Zo Council said the economic blockade - stopping essential transport on major roads and National Highways - has been extended till 2 am on Saturday.

The Kuki group's announcement came on a day former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Ajay Kumar Bhalla took charge as Manipur's new Governor.

With input from NDTV