Imphal: Security forces deployed tear gas shells on Saturday night to disperse an aggressive crowd that targeted a convoy transporting six suspected Kuki militants near Chawangkining in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, officials reported on Sunday.
A joint task force comprising the Manipur Police, CRPF, and CoBRA Commandos initially detained the six individuals, identified as Seilet, Manglen, Sathao, Lenlal, Gin, and Chuchung, in connection with an earlier attack in the area.
The detentions sparked immediate unrest, prompting a large mob of local residents and women volunteers to march toward the security forces to demand the suspects’ unconditional release.
The agitators established blockades along critical stretches of the Imphal–Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), specifically at Kangpokpi town and Motbung, using burning tires and debris to halt traffic.
This escalation led to the enforcement of an emergency shutdown across Kuki-dominated sectors of the district.
Footage circulating on social media showed the crowd attempting to intercept the security convoy. During the confrontation, a Casspir armored vehicle belonging to the security forces was partially set on fire as it attempted to navigate the blockades.
While reinforcement units were deployed to restore order, the ongoing disruptions left additional security personnel and commuters stranded at Motbung late into the evening.
Official reports indicate that while the situation remains highly tense, it is currently under control.