KANGPOKPI, March 8: A protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s free movement directive turned deadly in Manipur on Saturday, resulting in one death and 25 injuries across Kangpokpi district. The unrest erupted after security forces attempted to disperse demonstrators opposing the directive, which would allow free movement across the state.
The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit, who succumbed to bullet injuries sustained during clashes at Keithelmanbi. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The violence also left 25 other protesters injured in separate incidents at Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi. All the injured were admitted to local Primary Health Centres (PHCs) for treatment.
Earlier in the day, tensions escalated as Kuki demonstrators took to the streets in protest against Shah’s announcement. Security forces responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, sparking violent clashes. The situation worsened when protesters torched private vehicles and attempted to halt a state transport bus bound for Senapati district. Protesters also blocked the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) by burning tyres, disrupting the movement of government vehicles.
The unrest further intensified when Kuki protesters objected to a peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization, which was intended to enter Kangpokpi district. The march, involving over 10 vehicles, was stopped by security forces at Sekmai, as it did not have the necessary permissions to proceed.
