On January 3, 2025, violent protests erupted in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur as demonstrators stormed key government offices, including the Deputy Commissioner’s and Superintendent of Police’s offices. The unrest was fueled by growing discontent among locals regarding the prolonged presence of central security forces in the region, a situation that has intensified since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state in 2023.
Protesters, predominantly from the Kuki community, have demanded the immediate withdrawal of these forces, which they believe are exacerbating the already tense situation. The protests reflect the broader sentiment of resistance to the continued deployment of military personnel in the area, which some locals view as a sign of occupation rather than peacekeeping.
The situation escalated quickly as the protesters, frustrated by the lack of response to their demands, stormed the government buildings. The local authorities, including the police and district administration, have been working to control the situation, but the violence and the pressure to address the protesters’ demands have created an increasingly volatile environment.
The ongoing unrest in Kangpokpi is part of the broader ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has seen the deaths of over 250 people and the displacement of thousands since May 2023. The central government’s response, including the deployment of thousands of security personnel, has done little to quell the violence, and many locals continue to demand greater autonomy and respect for their rights.
