Manipur violence: 30-year-old protestor killed, 40 injured in clashes

A protester was killed and more than 40 others including women and police officers were injured in clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces in various parts of Manipurs Kangpokpi district on Saturday officials saidThe victim has been identified as Lalgouthang Singsit a 30yearold who sustained bullet injuries during the clashes at Keithelmanbi and later died while being transported to hospital police informedClashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces in the Kukidominated district after police fired tear gas to disperse them as they opposed Union Home Minister Amit Shahs directive allowing free movement across the state reported news agency PTIAt least 16 protesters were injured in the clashes with security forces at Gamgiphai Motbung and Keithelmanbi and were admitted to a nearby public health centre for treatment Unofficial reports suggest that more than 23 civilians were injuredIn a statement Manipur Police said that at least 27 security personnel had been injured in the clashes They also claimed that protesters had fired shots forcing security forces to retaliateThe security forces showed tremendous restraint while trying to control the unruly and violent mob and used minimum force to control and counter the antisocial elements including firing by armed miscreants among the protesters During the skirmish 16 protesters were injured and one protester succumbed to injuries the statement readManipur violence Protesters blocked National Highway set fire to tyresAccording to police the unrest began when a Manipur State Transport bus travelling along the ImphalKangpokpiSenapati route was stoned by a mob at Gamgiphai prompting security forces to use tear gas and minimal force to disperse the crowdRoadblocks were put up at various other locations with large numbers of protesters including women and children attempting to block the movement of the bus and security forces by felling trees and placing boulders on the road the statement further readProtesters also blocked National Highway2 ImphalDimapur highway and set tyres alight to obstruct the movement of government vehicles PTI reported The protest was also directed against a peace march organised by the Federation of Civil Society FOCS a Meitei organisationThe march which involved over 10 vehicles was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi district Police stated that they were acting on orders to stop the marchWe are just following orders We have been told to stop the march If they want to go they can take the state buses arranged by the government a policeman saidHowever FOCS members argued that they were merely following Shahs instruction which allowed free movement across the state from SaturdayManipur violence Cant take responsibility for any untoward incidents warns Kuki Zo CouncilA purported video released by the KukiZo village volunteers group from an undisclosed location expressed opposition to the Indian governments decision regarding free movement and called for a separate administration The authenticity of the video could not be verified by PTIAny attempt to enter our areas will be met with strong resistance No free movement before separate administration a volunteer said in the videoIn response to the free movement initiative the Kuki Zo Council declared an indefinite shutdown in all KukiZo areas starting at midnight on SaturdayIt is crucial for the central government to address the underlying issues to prevent further unrest and protect public safety The KukiZo Council urges the government to reconsider its stance to avoid further escalation of tension and violent confrontation the statement saidThe council also stated We cannot guarantee free movement of Meiteis across buffer zones and cannot take responsibility for any untoward incidentsWith PTI inputs