Kangpokpi protests erupt in Manipur over detention of six villagers

Violent protests erupted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district following the detention of six villagers by security forces. The agitation, which primarily involved members of the Kuki community, led to significant disruptions on National Highway-2, the key route linking Imphal and Dimapur.

Protesters reportedly set tires ablaze, engaged in stone-pelting, and used heavy machinery to dig up stretches of the highway to prevent the movement of security convoys. In response to the unrest, security forces deployed tear gas shells to disperse the crowds. Several agitators sustained injuries during the clashes and were hospitalized.

The six individuals, identified as village volunteers from Kholen, were suspected by authorities of being affiliated with an armed militant organization. While local accounts suggested the detainees were taken without clear explanation, officials reported that the individuals were subsequently released, after which the protests subsided and the situation was brought under control.