Videos of heavily armed men in military fatigues roaming Kangpokpi during a Kuki youth protest have sparked outrage and debate. While Kuki supporters claim they were peacekeepers, Meitei groups allege they were militants targeting officials. This alarming development highlights the growing tensions and security lapses in conflict-torn Manipur.
BY PC Bureau
Amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur, troubling scenes have emerged of heavily armed men in military fatigues navigating the streets of Kangpokpi. These men were seen at the site of a protest organized by Kuki youth at the administrative block of Kangpokpi, an incident that led to injuries for the Superintendent of Police. Their presence has ignited heated debates and raised serious concerns about the region’s security situation.
Conflicting Narratives: Volunteers or Militants?
The perception of these armed men varies widely depending on whom you ask. In social media posts, Kuki supporters argue that these men were their volunteers, working to restore peace during the chaotic protests. In contrast, Meitei groups have labeled them as militants, accusing them of orchestrating attacks on police and government officials at Kangpokpi.
What’s undeniable is the alarming reality of heavily armed individuals freely roaming Manipur’s streets, despite the deployment of thousands of security personnel in the region. Videos widely circulated on platforms like YouTube showcase these men moving purposefully around Kangpokpi during the protest. Their presence raises critical questions about how they managed to operate so openly in a state currently under tight security.
The Indian government has stationed large contingents of police, paramilitary, and army units across Manipur to curb unrest. However, the emergence of such groups highlights potential lapses in security measures and surveillance.
2/2: Kudos to the Kuki volunteers for stepping in to restore law and order in the town. Their prompt intervention helped prevent further escalation between protesters and armed forces. Unfortunately, several protesters sustained severe injuries and had to be hospitalized. pic.twitter.com/aFxPYIOBRA
— Hen Kuki (@HennaryL) January 3, 2025
The Broader Context of Manipur’s Unrest
Manipur has been grappling with escalating tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities, fueled by political, social, and ethnic grievances. Protests, clashes, and violent confrontations have become disturbingly frequent, further straining already fragile relations between the two groups.
Incidents like the Kangpokpi protest underscore the complexity of the situation, where competing narratives and longstanding grievances blur the line between peacekeeping and aggression.
What Needs to Be Done?
The sight of heavily armed individuals operating with impunity underscores the urgent need for enhanced security protocols in Manipur. Authorities must investigate how such groups acquire arms and evade detection, even in a heavily monitored environment. Moreover, bridging the trust deficit between communities is crucial to achieving long-term stability.
As videos of the Kangpokpi incident continue to circulate, they serve as a stark reminder of the region’s volatile state. Whether these individuals are peacekeeping volunteers or militants, their presence is a troubling symptom of deeper fractures in Manipur’s social and security fabric. Only a concerted effort to address both immediate and underlying issues can pave the way for a more peaceful and secure future.
