State police is maintaining law and order amidst unrest in Manipur: IGP Intelligence K Kabib

Manipur Inspector General of Police K Kabib addressing on September 11 said that in the last 24 hours, Manipur has witnessed a series of protests across several districts, with the state's police force actively working to maintain law and order amidst escalating tensions. 

According to IGP (Intelligence) K Kabib, while several rallies in areas like Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Imphal West were largely peaceful, certain regions experienced a sharp turn towards violence.

In Imphal West, particularly under the jurisdiction of Singamari Police Station and City Police Station, the protests turned hostile. Incidents of violence were reported from Kakwa Bazar, where demonstrators allegedly resorted to using firearms. Similarly, in the Uripok area, protesters were said to have deployed petrol bombs, heightening the chaos.

Also read: Situation tense but under control after clashes between students: Manipur police

The clashes resulted in injuries on both sides. More than ten police personnel, including a member of the Village Defense Force (VDF), sustained injuries during the altercations. 

To bring the situation under control, law enforcement officials were forced to use tear gas to disperse the agitated crowds. However, several protesters were also injured in the process.

IGP Kabib further revealed that many of the demonstrators involved were students, raising concerns about the involvement of youth in violent acts. Authorities discovered that several instigators and detained individuals were not from the local areas. Specifically, during a violent rally in Kakwa, those apprehended were reportedly outsiders, confirming suspicions of external interference and deliberate attempts to provoke unrest in local communities.