Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Violent Protests Erupt in Manipur Over Six Villagers’ Detention
People protested in Kangpokpi, Manipur, after six men from Kholen were reportedly detained.
The protesters said the security forces did not explain why the men were being held.
They burned tyres, threw stones and dug up part of a major highway.
Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Some protesters were hurt and taken to a hospital.
Reports described the six differently: some called them village volunteers, while another said they were suspected militants.
The six men were later released.
Officials said the area became calm again.
Kuki community members protested in Kangpokpi after six villagers from Kholen were allegedly detained by security forces.
The protests lasted from about 10 p.m. Saturday until midnight in Motbung and nearby areas.
Protesters burned tyres, threw stones at government vehicles and dug up portions of National Highway-2.
Security forces used several rounds of tear gas; some protesters were injured and hospitalized.
The six were later released, ending the protests, although reports differed on whether they were village volunteers or suspected militants.
- Who
- A section of the Kuki community protested, while security forces detained and later released six men from Kholen.
- What
- Violent demonstrations involved tyre burning, stone-throwing and damage to National Highway-2 over the alleged detention.
- When
- The protests began around 10 p.m. on Saturday and continued until about midnight; the reports were published on Sunday.
- Where
- Motbung and nearby areas in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, including National Highway-2 between Imphal and Dimapur.
- Why
- Protesters objected to the alleged detention, saying the security forces gave no explanation; one report said the six were suspected militants detained during an operation near Chawangkining.
Protesters’ account
Officials’ and security account
Reason for detention
Protesters’ account
Protesters said six villagers from Kholen were detained without being told why.
Officials’ and security account
One report said the six were suspected Kuki militants detained by the Central Reserve Police Force’s CoBRA unit during an operation near Chawangkining; other reports described them as village volunteers.
Identity of the six
Protesters’ account
Demonstrators treated the six as local villagers whose detention required an explanation.
Officials’ and security account
Reports differed, with some referring to the men as village volunteers and another identifying them as suspected militants linked to a security operation.
Response to the protests
Protesters’ account
Protesters burned tyres, threw stones at government vehicles and dug up the highway to obstruct security-force vehicles.
Officials’ and security account
Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and officials said the six were subsequently released and the situation returned to normal.
- Location
- Kangpokpi district, Manipur
- Detained people
- Six men from Kholen, described in some reports as village volunteers
- Protest timing
- Approximately 10 p.m. Saturday to midnight
- Road affected
- National Highway-2, the Imphal-Dimapur route
- Protest actions
- Tyre burning, stone-pelting and digging up portions of the highway
- Security response
- Several rounds of tear gas shells
- Outcome
- The six were released, the protests ended and officials said the situation was under control
Sources
Manipur: Protests break out in Kangpokpi after six Kuki men detained
Violent Protests In Kangpokpi Over Detention Of Six Kukis
Violent protests rock Manipur over 'detention' of 6 villagers
Violent protests erupt in Manipur's Kangpokpi over detention of six villagers by security forces
