Tensions Flare Once Again As Mob Attacks Top District Official’s Office In Kangpokpi; Visuals Surface

Kangpokpi: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi town on Friday, leaving a police official injured and a Deputy Commissioner’s office attacked, further escalating tensions in the region. A group of individuals marched towards the administrative headquarters in Kangpokpi and launched an assault, police confirmed. The incident occurred in the Kuki and tribal-dominated hilly district, where the atmosphere remains extremely tense.

Recent Protest By Kuki Women In Saibol

This development follows recent unrest in the district’s Saibol area, where Kuki women protested against the deployment of joint security forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The protest, which took place three days earlier, came in response to a security operation on December 29.

During this operation, security personnel cleared the region of armed militants and dismantled bunkers, intensifying tensions among the local populace. Large groups of women from nearby villages gathered to obstruct the forces’ operations, reflecting growing discontent.

CM Biren Singh Apologises To People Of Manipur

The latest violence comes shortly after Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh issued a public apology for the ethnic conflict that has plagued the state since May 2023. In a heartfelt video address, Singh expressed regret for the turmoil, which has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands. “This entire year has been very unfortunate,” Singh stated. “I feel regret and want to say sorry to the people of the state. Many people lost their loved ones and their homes. I hope that with the New Year 2025, normalcy and peace will be restored.”

Singh also appealed to all communities to ‘forgive and forget’ past grievances, emphasizing the need for unity and reconciliation. Addressing a press conference in Imphal, he stressed the state government’s commitment to restoring peace and highlighted recent progress toward stability.

Manipur has been embroiled in sporadic violence since May 3, 2023, driven by ethnic clashes between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki tribes over reservations and economic benefits. Despite efforts to quell the unrest, incidents like the one in Kangpokpi highlight the lingering challenges in achieving lasting peace in the state.