IMPHAL, Nov 20: A protest against the upcoming Sangai Festival escalated into a major security incident on Thursday, with Manipur Police and the office of Rajya Sabha MP and titular Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba issuing sharply conflicting accounts of what transpired at the historic Palace complex.

According to an official statement posted on the Manipur Police Facebook page, tension erupted when 50–60 COCOMI volunteers marched from Govindajee Crossing toward Hapta Kangjeibung in defiance of prohibitory orders imposed by the Imphal East District Magistrate. Police said multiple attempts were made—using both male and female personnel—to stop the advancing group, but protestors allegedly hurled water bottles and placards at the security teams.

The police further alleged that a woman protestor assaulted IGP (Zone–I) Themthing Ngashangva and used racial slurs while he was supervising the containment efforts. The crowd later moved toward the Palace, where police claim the MP’s house guards opened the gates, allowing protestors inside the compound and obstructing police action.

However, the MP’s office issued a formal complaint to the Governor presenting a contrasting version. It accused IGP Themthing Ngashangva of forcefully entering the MP’s residential compound around 1:30 pm and threatening security personnel. The letter alleged that the IGP accused the MP of sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs) and warned guards of potential FIRs. The complaint also emphasised the sanctity of the Palace complex and demanded action against the officer.

Manipur Police strongly denied this allegation, stating that the IGP never entered the Palace grounds and only questioned the guards from outside the gate about their decision to let protestors in.

A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for assaulting a public servant, obstructing duty, breaching barricades, unlawful entry toward a protected area, and use of racial slurs. Police are reviewing video evidence to identify the woman accused of attacking the IGP.

The Manipur Police statement added that its teams used only “minimum force” and exercised restraint throughout the confrontation.