SF came under fire from armed miscreants: Police
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 08 2025: Security forces came under fire from armed miscreants among the protesters in Kangpokpi district on Saturday as violence erupted over the movement of a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route.

One protester was killed, and 27 security personnel were injured, including two critically, during the clashes, police said in a press release.

The unrest began when a large mob at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district started pelting stones at the MST bus, which was being escorted by security forces as part of the state government's initiative to restore free movement across Manipur.

Security personnel responded with tear gas and "minimum force" to disperse the protesters.

However, as the bus moved forward, demonstrators erected multiple roadblocks using felled trees, boulders, and burning tyres to obstruct its passage.

According to police, the situation escalated when security forces were targeted with "firing by armed miscreants among the protesters".

In response, security personnel retaliated, leading to a violent confrontation.

Amidst the skirmish, 16 protesters were reportedly injured, and one succumbed to injuries.

Protesters also torched two security force vehicles.

It stated that security forces exercised "tremendous restraint" despite the violent attack and used "minimum force" to counter the aggression.

Meanwhile, the state government's initiative saw MST buses and other vehicles, including four LPG gas trucks and three oil tankers, operate without disruption along the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur and Churachandpur-Bishnupur-Imphal routes.

Authorities also refuted claims made in press releases by the Kuki-Zo Council and Kuki Students' Organisation on Saturday, alleging that security forces were escorting local protesters.

"These claims are totally baseless and false," the police clarified.

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