Manipur: Kuki protesters indulge in fresh clashes with security forces, several injured

This comes days after the Kuki protesters tried to stop the security forces from dismantling bunkers on the hills.

The protesters had been trying to stop transport as part of their economic blockade enforced to demand that central forces be withdrawn from the hills in Kangpokpi, 45 km from the state capital Imphal.

When the security forces asked them to fall back, the protesters moved toward the Kangpokpi deputy commissioner's office and threw stones at the building, NDTV reported quoting sources.

The security forces responded with tear gas and blanks, they said.

Several protesters were injured in the attempt by the security forces to disperse them.

Some security personnel including the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police (SP) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Manoj Prabhakar received injuries too.

This comes even after Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Tuesday apologised for the disturbances in the northeastern state due to the ethnic clashes that started last year and hoped that normalcy will return in 2025.

Speaking to the media, N Biren Singh had said: "This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what's happened till today since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I feel regret. I apologise. But now, I hope after seeing the last three to four months progress towards peace, I believe by 2025, normalcy will be restored in the state."

"I want to appeal to all the communities in the state, whatever has happened. You have to forgive and forget the past mistakes and we have to start a new life (towards) a peaceful and prosperous Manipur," he had said.

A spate of violence in Manipur left around 180 dead since May last year when clashes erupted over the Meities community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status while the tribal Kukis opposed it.

The Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in Imphal Valley.

The tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 percent of the population and reside mainly in the hills.