Manipur violence affected people trying to return home clash with security forces

Hundreds of displaced people demanding to return to their homes clashed with security forces in Manipur’s Imphal East district on Saturday, November 29, officials said.

Displaced people living in various relief camps following the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023 were stopped by security forces in Yingangpokpi as they marched towards their homes in Gwaltabi, located on the periphery of the district.

As the situation worsened, security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the agitators.

S Ibemcha Devi, one of the agitators, said, “According to the government, normalcy has been restored in the state. Then, why are we not being allowed to return to our homes?” An official said the situation remained tense but under control.

Such clashes between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and security forces have occurred several times since the Sangai festival began on November 21.

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