One Dead, 25 Injured; Tensions Escalate in Manipur Amid Renewed Clashes Between Protestors and Security Forces

Fresh violence has erupted in Manipur, marking the first major clash since the imposition of President's Rule in February. On March 8, 2025, one protestor was killed, and 25 others were injured after violent clashes broke out between Kuki demonstrators and security forces during attempts to re-establish free movement in the state, as mandated by the Central Government.

The violence comes after nearly two years of separated movement between the valley areas and the hills of Manipur, which have been divided by buffer zones manned by security forces since ethnic clashes began in 2023. Over 250 lives were lost in the initial conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities, leaving deep scars that have continued to flare up in the region.

The recent unrest began after Central government announced beginning of free vehicular movement within the state from March 7 onwards, between the Imphal Valley and the hill districts as part of efforts to bring normalcy back to the region. The move, which included the operation of state transport buses under security escort, was seen as a first step toward restoring some semblance of connectivity between the divided regions.

However, the situation quickly escalated. According to a statement by the Manipur Police, the Manipur State Transport (MST) bus, operating on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, came under attack as a "huge mob" began pelting stones at the vehicle near Gamgiphai, in Kangpokpi district. The police responded by using tear gas and minimal force to disperse the crowd, which included women and children.

"During the protest, there were incidents of firing from amongst the protestors towards the security forces, in which the security forces retaliated," said a statement from the Manipur Police. "Due to heavy pelting of stones, use of catapults, and random firing by armed miscreants from amongst the protestors, 27 security forces personnel suffered injuries, including 2 critically wounded. The security forces showed tremendous restraint while trying to control the unruly and violent mob."

In addition to the injuries sustained by security forces, 16 protestors were reported injured, and one protestor succumbed to their wounds. The situation further escalated as protestors set fire to two security force vehicles and blocked roads by felling trees, placing large stones and boulders on the highways, and burning tires.

The Kuki Zo Council, which has been at the forefront of the protests, has declared an indefinite shutdown across all Kuki-Zo areas starting from midnight of March 8. The council has also issued a warning against the free movement of Meitei people across the buffer zones. The protests reflect the growing anger and mistrust between the two ethnic communities, as well as the frustration over the ongoing instability in the region.

This clash marks the first fatality since President's Rule was imposed on February 13, following the sudden resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The ongoing unrest has further complicated the already volatile political and social landscape in Manipur.

In response to allegations from the Kuki Zo Council and Kuki Students' Organisation that security forces were escorting local protestors, the Manipur Police clarified that such claims were "baseless and false," asserting that the forces were merely acting in accordance with the security protocols.