Violent protests erupt in Manipur's Kangpokpi over detention of six villagers
Violent protests erupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district after a section of the Kuki community protested against the alleged detention of six villagers by security forces, officials said on Sunday.
The demonstrations continued from around 10 pm on Saturday until midnight in Motbung and nearby areas. Protesters reportedly burnt tyres on roads and pelted stones at government vehicles.
The protesters alleged that security forces had detained six villagers from Kholen without providing any reason. Kholen is situated near Chawangkining village, which is predominantly inhabited by Nagas, and had recently been attacked by armed miscreants.
To disperse the protesters, security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells. The protesters also used heavy construction equipment to dig up sections of National Highway-2, which connects Imphal and Dimapur, at Motbung, in an attempt to stop security force vehicles from moving through the area.
Several protesters sustained injuries during the demonstrations and were taken to a local hospital, officials said.
A senior official said the six village volunteers were later released by the security forces, after which the protests came to an end.
The situation is currently under control, the official added. (with inputs from PTI)
