Violence erupted on the first day of the Manipur government’s decision to reinstate public movement across the conflict-hit state, following nearly two years of disruption. Tensions escalated when a convoy of buses traveling from Imphal to Senapati was halted in a Kuki-dominated area, triggering protests, India Today reported.
According to reports, protesters attacked private vehicles, setting some on fire, while attempting to block a state transport bus from passing through. Security forces intervened, using mild force and firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and clear the route for civilian movement.
The protests intensified as demonstrators blocked the Imphal-Dimapur highway, burning tyres to halt government vehicles. According to NDTV, a protester succumbed to bullet injuries in Kangpokpi district, as reported by Kuki groups in messages shared with the media. Additionally, they reported that over two dozen individuals were injured during the incident.
The protests were aimed at a peace march organized by the Meitei group, Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), whose members were en route to Kangpokpi district. When the FOCS group cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive for free movement of vehicles, security forces intervened, stating that the group lacked the necessary permission, according to news agency PTI.
Despite the unrest, officials confirmed that bus services resumed on Saturday along key routes, including Imphal to Senapati via Kangpokpi district and Imphal to Churachandpur via Bishnupur.
The resumption of movement followed a special directive from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had mandated the restoration of public movement.
Security forces, in coordination with the Manipur Police, have been deployed to ensure the smooth transit of people while maintaining law and order in the state, which has experienced 22 months of ethnic clashes. These clashes have claimed the lives of over 250 people and displaced thousands.
To ensure safe passage, security forces have arranged for police protection and convoy services. BSF-escorted convoys began transporting Meitei community members from Imphal Airport to Senapati via Kangpokpi, while CRPF-escorted convoys operated between Imphal Airport and Churachandpur. State transport buses are also traveling under the escort of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to facilitate public movement and restore normalcy.
In addition, helicopter services between Imphal and Churachandpur will commence on March 12. Officials warned that any attempt to obstruct public movement would be met with strict police action.
This decision to resume public transport follows a failed attempt in December 2024 when no passengers showed up for buses resuming services from Imphal to Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.