Manipur clash: 7 injured as security forces stop IDPs' resettlement
What's the story
A fresh round of violence erupted at Yaingangpokpi village in Manipur's Imphal East district on Saturday. The clash was between security forces and internally displaced persons (IDPs) trying to return to their abandoned villages, Hindustan Times reported. The IDPs were stopped by security forces from entering a restricted area while they tried to march for resettlement at Guwaltabi village in Kangpokpi district.
Protest escalation
Security forces use tear gas, lathi charge on protesters
As tensions rose, security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells and mock bombs and used lathi charges to disperse the crowd. At least seven people were injured in the clash, including a media personnel, commando personnel, three IDPs, and two locals. The injured were rushed to a nearby health center at Yaingangpokpi bazar for first aid.
Resettlement demands
Displaced persons demand resettlement, criticize government's actions
The IDPs held placards which said, "We boycott Sangai Festival," and "We want resettlement." Thounaojam Yaimabi, an IDP from Guwaltabi Mayai Leikai, questioned the government's claims of restoring peace while not allowing resettlement. "If peace is being restored, then why is resettlement not allowed? The government had already announced that the resettlement of the displaced would be completed by December, phase-wise," he was quoted as saying.
Condemnation and demands
Women vendors condemn security forces' actions, demand free movement
Against this backdrop, the women vendors of Khwairamband Ima Market also condemned the security forces' actions. Yumnam Ibeyaima, a vendor and convenor of Khwairamband Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace, criticized the government's focus on organizing the Sangai Festival while sidelining rehabilitation demands. She demanded free movement for all citizens on national highways under the President's Rule in Manipur.