1 killed in new violence in restive Indian state

​​​​​​​By Ahmad Adil

​​​​​​​NEW DELHI (AA) - One person was killed and more than 40 were injured, including 27 security personnel, in new violence in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, police said Saturday.

Clashes between security personnel and protestors took place as Home Minister Amit Shah directed the “free movement to be ensured for people on all roads” in Manipur beginning March 8.

Police said when a Manipur state-run bus plied along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, a “huge mob started pelting stones” toward the bus in the Gamgiphai, Kangpokpi district.

“The security forces used tear gas and minimum force to disperse the unruly mob,” said police, adding that roadblocks were put at various places along the highway.

Officials said there were incidents of “firing from amongst the protestors towards the security forces.”

“Due to heavy pelting of stones, use of catapults and random firing by armed miscreants from amongst the protestors, 27 security forces personnel suffered injury including two security force personnel who are critically injured,” said police.

It added while security forces “showed tremendous restraint and used minimum” force during the skirmish, “16 protestors were reportedly injured and one protestor succumbed to injury.”

Two vehicles of the security forces were also burned by protesters, said police.

The Indian government last month took direct control of Manipur state after the state’s chief minister resigned amid ethnic violence which cost the lives of more than 250 in over two years.

Manipur has been witnessing violence since ethnic fighting broke out in May 2023, which resulted in the killing of over 250 people and affected thousands.

Fighting has taken place between members of the majority Meitei and the Kuki tribal communities in the state.

Meitei are mostly Hindu and dominant in the state's population, while Kukis are mostly Christians, and among the most socio-economically disadvantaged groups in India.