Amid efforts to restore normalcy, police report that protesters attacked security forces with stones, catapults, and firearms, forcing them to retaliate. Two security vehicles were also torched.
BY PC Bureau
Manipur Police has held protesters responsible for the violence that erupted along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route on March 8, 2025, when a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus was attacked despite heavy security escort.
According to Manipur Police, the government had decided to resume bus services under security protection to ease public inconvenience and restore normalcy. Police reported that while MST buses and essential supply vehicles successfully traveled along the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur route without incident, trouble arose on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route.
As per decision of the State Government dated 7th March, 2025 to arrange bus service by Manipur State Transport Buses under security escort to alleviate public inconveniences as an initiative towards bringing normalcy in the State from 8th March, 2025, Manipur State Transport Bus…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) March 8, 2025
Manipur Police stated that a large mob attacked the MST bus with heavy stone-pelting at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi District. Security forces were forced to use tear gas and minimal force to disperse the crowd, but protesters continued to block roads using felled trees, boulders, and burning tyres.
Police further accused armed miscreants among the protesters of opening fire on security personnel, prompting retaliation. Due to intense stone-pelting, the use of catapults, and gunfire from the crowd, 27 security personnel sustained injuries, including two critically wounded. Manipur Police also reported that 16 protesters were injured, and one protester succumbed to injuries during the skirmish. Protesters also set fire to two security force vehicles.
Additionally, Manipur Police dismissed as false the allegations made by the Kuki-Zo Council and Kuki Students’ Organization, which claimed that security forces were escorting local protesters. The police called these allegations baseless and misleading.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace, Manipur Police urged the public to refrain from violence and cooperate with law enforcement efforts to bring stability to the state.
