Clashes and protests continued across Manipur on Tuesday amid rising tensions, with incidents reported from hill and valley districts, while the Congress targeted the Centre over the situation and called for dialogue to restore normalcy. Protesters from two tribal communities clashed on the borders of Senapati and adjoining Kangpokpi districts over a shutdown called by a civil society organisation.
The clash began when police tried to clear a roadblock set up by Naga volunteers enforcing a three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) to protest the April 18 killing of two persons in Ukhrul district.
An official said the situation escalated after villagers from Changoubung became involved, leading to stone pelting between the two sides. "A few rounds were fired during the commotion. However, it is not clear who did it," the official said, as quoted by PTI.
The shutdown, which began at midnight on April 20, affected normal life in Naga-inhabited districts, including Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati, Noney and Tamenglong.
In a separate incident, protesters clashed with security forces during a torch rally in Imphal over the death of two children in a bomb blast earlier this month.
The rally, held on Monday night in Imphal West district, turned violent when participants attempted to move towards a restricted area near Lok Bhavan and the BJP state office, police said.
Security forces fired tear gas shells after protesters defied curfew orders and advanced despite restrictions, an officer said.
"Protesters pelted the security forces with stones and iron pellets from catapults, endangering the lives of the heavily outnumbered security forces," he said.
Curfew restrictions are in force in five valley districts from 5 pm to 5 am.
Police said 19 people were arrested in Imphal West district for violating curfew and engaging in offences such as blocking roads and damaging public property.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
