Imphal: Violent clashes broke out in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district when police tried to stop locals who organized a protest rally alleging encroachment of tribal lands by reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries. Violating prohibitory orders, police said a large number of people gathered near Thomas in Kangpokpi town on Friday and a protest rally was called by various bodies, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF).
However, when the police tried to disperse the protesters, a brawl broke out, which was followed by violent clashes.
At least five protesters were injured when teargas shells were fired, while some police personnel also suffered injuries from stone pelting, officials said.
#Watch , Several protesters and members of the security forces were injured after a protest rally turned violent in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. There was a report of an incident of assault.
The people were protesting against the alleged injustice of the state government against the land rights of the tribal population. pic.twitter.com/7tAdNYvyzv– ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2023
The situation was brought under control later, he said.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the protesters were challenging constitutional provisions.
“They were challenging the constitutional provisions… people there were encroaching on reserved forests, protected forests and wildlife sanctuaries for opium cultivation and drug trade. That’s why the rally was organized,” he said. I went.”
The protesters later submitted a memorandum to Governor Anusuya Uikey through Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner Kengu Zuringla.
Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC were imposed in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts on Thursday.
Meanwhile, several Naga community organisations, including Maram Union, Mao Union and Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, said that ITLF is a newly formed body and does not represent the indigenous people of the state.