Manipur: 2 arrested in connection to Kangpokpi Police assault case, condemnation mounts amid CoTU shutdown

In a swift and major breakthrough, the Manipur police managed to crack down on armed miscreants allegedly involved in the brutal assault on Kangpokpi Police personnel at Koirengei on May 11.

More than 30 armed miscreants, suspected to be members of a radical armed group, were accused of assaulting four police personnel stationed at Kangpokpi Police Station, who belong to the Nepali and Muslim community. Among them, 2 persons have been arrested in connection to the case.

Though complete details could not be ascertained, the arrested duo were identified as Taibanganba from Heingang and Bobo, a former resident of Thengra Leirak, Churachandpur in Manipur.

It may be mentioned that a zero FIR has been lodged at Kangpokpi Police Station and subsequently transferred to the concerned police station for further investigation.

The broad-daylight abduction and vicious physical assault on four police personnel from the Village Defence Force, or the VDF, posted at Kangpokpi Police Station by armed miscreants, have sparked widespread condemnation from multiple organizations, including the Kangpokpi District VDF Welfare Association, and the Kuki Students' Organisation Sadar Hills.

The Kangpokpi District Village Defence Force Welfare Association has strongly condemned the physical assault and attempted murder of four VDF personnel currently stationed at Kangpokpi police station.

It stated that the four VDF personnel were on official duty in Imphal on May 11, 2024.

"Unfortunately, unknown armed miscreants intercepted and halted their vehicle at Koirengei while they were returning from Imphal to Kangpokpi after completing their assigned duty, given by a senior official around 12 pm", it stated.

The association also alleged that the armed miscreants ruthlessly blindfolded the four VDF personnel, and dragged them into the nearby jungle where they subjected them to brutal assault.

The association expressed outrage at the targeting of neutral VDF personnel, who were not affiliated with any warring communities and were simply performing their official duties.

In the wake of the brutal physical assault on Kangpokpi Police personnel belonging to different communities, the Kuki Students' Organisation Sadar Hills issued a scathing rebuke against the Central Government's silence regarding the incident.

Highlighting the deteriorating situation in Manipur, the student body pointed out the failure of state authorities to protect the Kuki populace and public servants, while emphasizing that governance pillars in Manipur had collapsed since May 3, 2023, raising concerns about the safety and security of the people.

KSO Sadar Hills further stated that the incident underscores the urgent need for decisive action against the armed militia groups operating in Manipur.

The student body's vocal criticism also highlights growing frustration over the government's perceived inaction in addressing security challenges in the region.

Meanwhile, the 24-hour complete shutdown gripping Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, imposed by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills following the vicious assault on Kangpokpi Police personnel, echoing deep-seated resentment, has crippled normal life in the district.

The Committee's stir has also intensified the clamor for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) across all 19 police stations in Manipur's Valley.

The 24-hour total shutdown witnessed volunteers blocking the significant National Highway 2 from midnight on May 11, restricting the movement of any vehicles except those exempted from the purview of the shutdown.

All shops and business establishments in Kangpokpi Town and other parts of the district remained closed for the day.

The total shutdown will culminate at midnight on May 12