IMPHAL: A new wave of violence was witnessed in Manipur on Saturday when a group of Kuki women attacked an inter-district bus service in Gampiphai, Kangpokpi district. The attack happened when a mob of the Kuki community stopped the bus and pelted stones, injuring a number of people. In response, security forces deployed tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd.
This bus service had recently resumed after a 22-month hiatus due to ethnic violence, following directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah aimed at ensuring free movement across all routes in the state starting March 8. This marked the second attempt to restart public transport in the region; a previous effort in December had failed due to insufficient passenger turnout.
On Saturday, buses bound for Churachandpur and Senapati departed from Imphal airport under heavy security, escorted by central forces and army personnel. Though the bus to Churachandpur arrived safely at Kangvai, the Senapati-bound bus was blocked at Gampiphai, leading to the violent confrontation.
The revival of transport services is a part of an effort to ease public inconveniences and bring back normalcy to the state. Following the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, security forces have been instructed to ensure safe passage on all routes and take strict action against any disruptions.
Meanwhile, the FOCS, a valley-based civil society organization, initiated a peace tour from Imphal to Senapati but was halted at Sekmai Yaiphakol by central security forces.
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