Manipur violence: Security beefed up in Kangpokpi after mob attacks SP’s office

financialexpress.com:

Security has been heightened in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district after a violent mob attacked the office of Superintendent of Police (SP) M Prabhakar on Friday evening. The unrest stemmed from public dissatisfaction with the ongoing deployment of central forces in the region.

During the attack, projectiles were thrown at the SP’s office in Saibol village, injuring SP Prabhakar. The mob also vandalized vehicles and hurled petrol bombs, escalating the situation. Security forces intervened, using force to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The incident underscores rising tensions in the district, necessitating increased vigilance and further deployment of security personnel to prevent further unrest. Authorities are investigating the incident and monitoring the situation closely.

A senior official confirmed that a large contingent of security forces was deployed in the area to restore order. “The situation is now under control and is being closely monitored,” the official said, adding that the SP was stable and currently leading joint security operations.

Several protesters who were injured during the skirmishes were taken to a nearby hospital, officials reported. The unrest stems from growing tensions over the deployment of central forces in Kuki-majority areas, particularly following an incident on December 31, where Kuki women were allegedly baton-charged by security forces while protesting the occupation of community bunkers by the forces in Saibol village.

The incident escalated as the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a Kuki-based organization, blocked National Highway 2, disrupting transportation to the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley. Locals claimed the December 31 incident left several injured and fueled resentment