Imphal: Tensions in Manipur's Tengnoupal district escalated on Friday as local women took a stand by blocking the road to Moreh, preventing state security forces from entering the town.
The Kuki community in Moreh expressed strong opposition to the presence of the security forces following a recent violent incident between locals and personnel. Just two days prior to the road blockade, violence erupted in Moreh when a group of women, out to shop for essentials during a curfew relaxation, was allegedly accosted and attacked by security forces.
This incident sparked heated arguments, leading the women to block the road to the market in protest.
In response to the actions of the security forces, an angry mob set fire to several abandoned houses that were being used as temporary accommodations for the personnel. The situation escalated further when tear gas shells and live rounds were used by the security forces to disperse the crowd, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the mob and the forces.
This latest conflict adds to the ongoing sectarian clash that has been ravaging Manipur since May 3.
The violence initially erupted between the Kuki tribal group and the ethnic majority Meitei, who clashed over sharing economic benefits and quotas allocated to tribes.
Despite the deployment of thousands of paramilitary and army troops to the state, the situation has remained tense. Recent videos showed women being sexually assaulted and paraded naked, sparking national outrage and prompting the state government to send additional forces.
The situation in Manipur remains highly volatile, with communities on edge and tensions running high. The road blockade by women indicates the deep-rooted grievances and distrust between the local population and the authorities.