Peace March Turns Tense in Manipur as Protesters Clash with Police

Imphal– Thousands of protesters demanding permanent peace in strife-torn Manipur clashed with police on Saturday after they were stopped from marching towards the chief minister’s residence.

The agitators, mobilised under the banner of COCOMI, organised four separate rallies across the city. However, security forces blocked their movement at multiple points leading to the chief minister’s bungalow in Babupara, deploying barricades and additional personnel at key junctions including Keisampat, Kangla Gate, Konung Mamang and Moirangkhom.

At Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district, around 2 km from the CM’s residence, tensions escalated when protesters attempted to breach barricades. Police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Despite the clashes, a small group of representatives was later allowed to meet Chief Minister N Biren Singh, where they submitted a memorandum outlining their demands.

The protesters raised slogans and carried placards seeking justice for two children killed in a recent bomb blast in Bishnupur district, along with rehabilitation for internally displaced persons affected by the ongoing ethnic conflict.

COCOMI convenor Y K Dhiren, after meeting the chief minister, said that no concrete resolution has been achieved since violence erupted on May 3, 2023. He alleged a lack of decisive political will and warned that the agitation would intensify if demands remain unmet.

According to official data, more than 260 people have lost their lives and thousands have been displaced due to the ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities in the state.