A total of 44 students were injured during protests yesterday in Imphal and Thoubal districts, as demonstrators demanded the safeguarding of Manipur’s territorial integrity, peace in the state, and an end to civilian killings by Kuki militants.

Of the injured, 26 students were hurt during the protest outside Raj Bhavan, Imphal and were admitted to RIMS and Shija Hospital. In Thoubal district, 18 students sustained injuries during the demonstrations. Two police personnel including a constable, identified as Ningombam Alexander, sustained bullet injuries on his left leg after being shot by unknown miscreants. Alexander, who serves as an escort to the Thoubal OC, was injured when the unknown miscreant took advantage of the chaotic situation of a student protest held today.

In a press release, Manipur Police stated that while the situation in the state remains tense with sporadic protests, it is still under control. They provided details of the incidents that led to the clashes between students and law enforcement.

“On September 9, 2024, several student groups assembled unlawfully outside the Raj Bhavan’s main gate, defying prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate of Imphal West. Despite efforts to calm the protestors, they became aggressive, throwing stones and plastic water bottles at the Raj Bhavan entrance,” Manipur Police said.

In response, police forces, along with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), used minimal force to disperse the crowd, following directives from the Executive Magistrate.

Meanwhile, a similar protest erupted in Thoubal district, where a large group, including students, gathered near the District Police Headquarters along National Highway 102. The statement by Manipur Police said despite repeated warnings from law enforcement to disperse, the crowd became violent, even resorting to live gunfire directed at the police. One officer sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh. Additionally, a vehicle parked outside the Court complex was damaged, and stones were thrown at an ambulance carrying injured individuals. Security forces, to contain the escalating violence, used anti-riot tear gas and blank firing in a safe direction to disperse the crowd.

Earlier in the day, around noon, another group of students attempted to storm the main gate of the Thoubal District Collector’s Office. Despite being warned by police to disperse peacefully, the students began hurling stones at the DC gate, leading to minor damage and injuries among the students. The police responded with minimum force to control the situation.

Manipur Police urged the public to avoid resorting to violence during protests and to express dissent peacefully, warning that some individuals with vested interests might be exploiting these demonstrations for personal gain.