Tribal land 'encroachment' claims spark clashes in Manipur wildlife sanctuaries

Violent clashes erupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district as police tried to stop local residents who had organized a protest rally over alleged encroachment on tribal lands by reserved forests and wildlife sanctuaries. People defying the ban gathered in large numbers near Thomas in Kangpokpi town on Friday for a protest rally called by various bodies, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), police said.

However, an argument broke out when the police tried to disperse the protesters, which subsequently led to violent clashes. At least five protesters were injured in teargas firing, while several policemen also sustained injuries after being hit by stones, officials said.

According to them, the situation was later brought under control. Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the protesters were challenging constitutional provisions. “They were questioning constitutional provisions... there people were encroaching on reserved forests, protected forests and wildlife sanctuaries for poppy cultivation and drug trade. That is why the rally was organized,” he said.

The protesters later presented a memorandum to Governor Anusuiya Uikey through Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner Kengoo Zuringla. Prohibitions under Section 144 CrPC were imposed in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts on Thursday. Meanwhile, several organizations of the Naga community, including Maram Union, Mao Union and Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, said that the ITLF is a newly formed body and does not represent the indigenous people of the state.