A mob led by Kuki-Zo women clashed with security forces in Kangpokpi district of Manipur on Tuesday, intensifying tensions in the ethnically sensitive state. The incident occurred at Uyokching near Thamnapokpi as the mob attempted to “disrupt” the deployment of a combined team of the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Manipur Police confirmed that the joint forces “dispersed” the crowd using “minimum force.” Authorities stated that the situation is now “peaceful and under control.” The forces had been deployed to dominate the area and prevent any untoward incidents.

Locals claimed the clash resulted in injuries to several individuals, particularly in Saibol village, located in a buffer zone between Kuki-held Hills and the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley. According to the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), more than 50 Kuki-Zo women sustained injuries, with one woman reportedly struck by a rubber bullet in her left eye.

Most of the injured are receiving treatment at the Saikul Community Health Centre. CoTU has called attention to the alleged excessive force used by security personnel during the incident.