Manipur: Tension flares in Kumbi area as central forces confiscate arms from village volunteers

Tensions escalated in the Kumbi area of Bishnupur district in the early hours of today as central forces reportedly seized arms from village volunteers. The incident sparked protests from Meira Paibi activists who rushed to the site demanding the return of the confiscated weapons.

According to reports, Meira Paibi representatives from various locations converged on the scene, urging the forces to return the arms. They said that the weapons were solely used for defense against Kuki militants, highlighting the precarious security situation in the region.

The confrontation between the central forces and the protesting women escalated when the former allegedly resorted to firing warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd near Kumbi Police Station. The standoff persisted for several hours, with the confiscated weapons not returned at the time of this report.

MLAs representing Thanga and Kumbi Assembly constituencies arrived at the protest site to take stock of the situation.

Speaking to the media during the protest, a Meira Paibi spokesperson condemned the selective disarmament of village volunteers by the central forces. She stated the ongoing threat posed by armed militants saying that the arms were essential for the protection of vulnerable communities.