Tension prevailed in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday after a section of Kuki tribes protested against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive for free movement across the state from March 8.
A peace march organised by a Meitei organisation also made the situation volatile.
Police fired tear gas as demonstrators clashed with security personnel, and threw stones, leading to injuries. They also set a few private vehicles on fire.
Also read
- IN PICS | Thuingaleng Muivah finally back in Manipur; Naga insurgent leader gets royal welcome in Ukhrul
- As Thuingaleng Muivah comes home, all eyes on the Naga leader to give roadmap to peace
- Manipur: Armed insurgents active in Valley; PLA in spotlight ahead of Raising Day
- Manipur: Two Assam Rifles jawans killed after gunmen open fire at their vehicle
Shah had recently directed security forces to ensure the free movement of people on all routes in the state and called for strict action against those creating obstructions.
According to reporters, the protesters opposing the free movement, burnt tyres along the Imphal-Dimapur highway and tried to stop any movement of state government vehicles.
Meanwhile, the peace march conducted by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations, a Meiety body, was stopped by police at Sekmai on way to Kangpokpi district.
According to police, the procession was stopped as it didn't have permission.
"We are just following orders. We have been told to stop the march. If they want to go, they can go in the state buses arranged by the government," a policeman told news agency PTI.
The FOCS members, however, claimed that insisted that free movement means travel by anybody and that they were just following what Shah's instruction.
"The purpose of the march is to bring peace to the state. If the government is not in a position to allow the free movement of the public, what is the need for making the announcement?," they asked.
