IW villages protest tagging Kpi to NSU
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 08 2020: A large number of people belonging to different villages of Imphal West district raised an uproar today against any attempt to tag Kangpokpi district to the name of National Sports University, Haraothel.

The uproar which erupted at around 7.30 in the morning subsided only at around 6.30 in the evening but the anguished people have not been fully pacified till the time of filing this report.

Infuriated by a report that a meeting held yesterday between Government representatives and representatives of KSO Sadar Hills and Kuki Inpi Manipur agreed to recommend the Central Government to rename the university as National Sports University, Haraothel, Kangpokpi district, a large number of people belonging to Singda, Phumlou, Senjam Chirang, Senjam Khunou, Koutruk, Phayeng, Kadangband, Khurkhul, Loitang Khunou, Kanto, Kanto Sabal, Leimakhong Chingmang, Kanto Khunou, Sekmai and Khonghampat staged a vehement protest demonstration.

People in large numbers belonging to these villages came to Leimakhong Chingmang using trucks, buses, autos etc at around 7.30 am.

They gathered at Leimakhong Chingmang and blocked the road.

Even as police tried to drive away the protesters blocking the road, they met with little success.

The protesters pulled down sign-boards put up there which have the words 'Kangpokpi district' .

From Leimakhong Chingmang, they marched towards L Tungnam village, Haraothel but they were blocked by police.

In their efforts to drive away the protesters, police fired several rounds of tear gas shells.

Soon, a battle ensued between the two sides who pelted stones against each other resulting in casualties on both sides.

A similar scene was also seen at Koutruk.

Senjam Chirang-Khurkhul road was also dug out using excavator.

Even though it is not clear whether the meeting adopted any decision to rename the National Sports University by tagging Kangpokpi district to the university, it was attended by YAS Minister Letpao Haokip, Forest Minister Awangbow Newmai, Education Minister S Rajen, advisor to Chief Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Thangminlen Kipgen of president of KSO Sadar Hills, Kuki Inpi Manipur president Khaimang Chongloi, Imphal West DC and Kangpokpi DC .

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