Nueva Delhi: The Imphal Valley in Manipur once again became the epicenter of the protests, since the protesters blocked the roads and set the tires on fire, taking reprisals to the arrest of several village volunteers in the Kakching district.
In an early operation in the morning in Panjao Pallumda, the Security Forces arrested more than ten volunteers, transferring them to a camp in Phundrei, the district of Thoubbal, the PTI news agency reported, citing the officials.
The protests extend for multiple districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubbal and Kakching. The protesters forced the closure of markets and stores on the road in several imphal areas, including Wangkhei, Uripak, Thangmeiband and Khurai.
The riots broke out only one day after Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla urged residents to deliver and maintained weapons illegally in seven days, warning of “strict action” if the deadline was ignored.
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified their repression against insurgent groups, arrested 17 militants of several prohibited outfits in the last 24 hours, police said on Friday.
Among them, 13 militants of the Kangei Yawol Kanna Lup (Kykl) team were prohibited on Thursday at Moirang Kiyam Leikai, Bishnupur district. Police also recovered 27 cartridges, three sets of Walkie-Talkie, camouflage uniforms and other tactical equipment. The arrested individuals were taken to Imphal for greater investigation.
In addition, a Member of the United National Liberation Front (P) prohibited was arrested from Ngariyan Ching in the Imphal East district on Thursday. The individual was involved in extortion activities, police said.
Tensions remain high in Manipur as security forces continue operations in the state of conflicts.