Violent protests broke out in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district late on Saturday night (September 19, 2026) over the alleged detention of six villagers by security forces. Officials reported demonstrations in Motbung and nearby areas that continued until around midnight.
What Triggered the Protests
Members of the Kuki community alleged that six villagers (described as village volunteers) from Kholen were detained by security forces without any explanation being provided.
Kholen village is located close to the Naga-dominated Chawangkining village in the district. Chawangkining had recently come under attack by armed miscreants, heightening local tensions.
Course of the Demonstrations
The agitation began around 10 pm and lasted until approximately midnight. Protesters:
Burnt tyres on the roads
Pelted stones at government vehicles
Used heavy construction equipment to dig up portions of National Highway-2 (the Imphal–Dimapur road) at Motbung to prevent the movement of security force vehicles
Security forces responded by firing several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. A few agitators sustained injuries during the clashes and were admitted to a local hospital.
Resolution
A senior official stated that the detained village volunteers were subsequently released by the security forces. Following their release, the protests ended and the situation was brought under control.
Some reports mentioned seven detainees, but the majority of official accounts referred to six individuals. The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) later issued a statement condemning the detentions as arbitrary.
Authorities have increased security deployment in sensitive locations in the district to prevent any further escalation.