A protest rally organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) in Kangpokpi District on Friday escalated into violence as demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of Central Security Forces from Saibol village. Protestors attacked the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) Kangpokpi by pelting stones and hurling petrol bombs, Manipur Police said in a post on X.

Kuki organizations, including CoTU, have been opposing the deployment of central forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the area. During the rally, tensions flared, and security forces had to resort to adequate force to disperse the mob.

In the ensuing clashes, SP Kangpokpi, Manoj Prabhakar, sustained injuries, and several vehicles were damaged. “The SP has received necessary medical treatment and is fine now. He is presently leading the joint security forces in tackling the situation,” Manipur Police stated.

Videos and images emerging from Kangpokpi District on Friday reveal scenes of unrest during a 24-hour shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU). The visuals purportedly show armed individuals dressed in camouflage clothing carrying sophisticated weapons on the streets.

Additionally, images show damage to vehicles on the premises of the local Superintendent of Police’s office, adding to the tension in the area.

The shutdown was called by CoTU, a body representing Kuki-Zo interests, in response to a confrontation earlier in the week. On Tuesday, a clash occurred between security forces and Kuki-Zo women in the district, which has since fueled protests and unrest in the region.

Following the incident, a significant contingent of security forces was deployed to manage the situation, which is now reported to be under control and closely monitored.