IMPHAL, June 10: A tense and increasingly volatile situation continues to grip Manipur, following the assault of a senior police officer amidst ongoing shutdown protests led by the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol. The unrest, sparked by the recent arrest of the group’s prominent leader Kanan Singh and four volunteers, has engulfed several valley districts in widespread demonstrations, violent confrontations, and road blockades.

The dramatic incident unfolded on Monday at Nambol Thongkha in Bishnupur district, where Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Wangkhomba Okramcha and his escort were reportedly attacked by a mob of demonstrators enforcing the shutdown. According to police sources, the officers were patrolling along NH-150 (Tiddim Road) to monitor the law-and-order situation when their convoy was blocked by protesters using stones and slingshots. ASP Okramcha, in an effort to defuse the situation, stepped out to negotiate, but was instead physically assaulted. His escort suffered a head injury, allegedly from a projectile.

In response, security forces fired tear gas shells, mock bombs, and even live rounds to disperse the crowd. An FIR has been lodged, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the assailants.

The broader wave of agitation continues to surge across the valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. Protesters have taken to the streets, often in defiance of Section 144 prohibitory orders, demanding the unconditional release of Kanan Singh and his associates, who were detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Late Monday night, the situation escalated in Imphal East’s Khurai Lamlong area, where security forces faced intense resistance. Tear gas and rubber bullets were deployed to control the mob, which retaliated by torching a vehicle. In Thoubal and Kakching, similar scenes of unrest unfolded, marked by burning tyres, improvised roadblocks, and confrontations with police.

Further heightening the tensions, gunfire was reported in the Tera area of Imphal West, where unidentified individuals fired at CRPF personnel clearing road obstructions. At least seven rounds from small arms were discharged, prompting immediate joint search operations by paramilitary and state forces. However, protesters reportedly obstructed deeper investigations.