Kuki protests in Manipur’s Kangpokpi over 6 detentions

Violent protests by Kuki community members broke out in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Saturday night after six villagers were detained by security forces. Protesters burnt tyres, pelted stones, dug up National Highway-2 using JCB machines, and clashed with security forces, who fired tear gas shells. The six were arrested in connection with the September 15 attack on Chawangkining Naga village, which left two houses burnt, The Assam Tribune reports.

The Hindu and The Economic Times report the detainees were released and the protests ended by Sunday morning, with the situation under control. The Assam Tribune adds that the six were identified by name, were apprehended by a CoBRA unit of the CRPF near Kholep village around 4.30 pm Saturday, and that protesters alleged security forces used live rounds, which could not be independently verified. The Assam Tribune also reports that the unrest spread to several Kuki-majority settlements and that an emergency bandh was declared.