Manipur Police have launched a criminal investigation after a woman protestor allegedly assaulted Inspector General of Police (Zone-I) Themthing Ngashangva and directed racial slurs at him during a protest march opposing the upcoming Sangai Festival 2025.

According to an official police statement, around 50–60 volunteers of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) began marching from Govindajee Crossing towards Hapta Kangjeibung at around 1:15 pm on November 20, despite prohibitory orders issued by the Imphal East District Magistrate. Police personnel, including women officers, made repeated attempts to block and disperse the crowd, but tensions escalated when protestors allegedly hurled water bottles and placards at the security line.

The situation intensified when the IGP, who was overseeing operations on the ground, was reportedly assaulted by a woman protestor who also used derogatory racial remarks against him.

Police further stated that the marchers later moved towards the Palace compound, where house guards of a Member of Parliament allegedly allowed them inside, hindering crowd-control efforts. The IGP approached the gate to question the guards’ actions but did not enter the premises, the statement clarified.

A case has been registered at Porompat Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for assaulting a public servant, obstructing official duties, breaching security barricades, using racial slurs and attempting unauthorised movement towards a protected site. Investigators are currently reviewing video footage and witness accounts to identify the woman involved.

Police added that personnel exercised restraint throughout the incident and used only the minimum force required to restore order.