Imphal: A protest by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Imphal East escalated into chaos on November 24, leaving four people injured during a tense confrontation with security forces near the Dolaithabi Dam.
Residents of the Sajiwa and Swombung relief camps began marching from Pukhao Terapur toward Dolaithabi in a demonstration calling for their safe return to their native villages. Participants from Ekou, Yengkhuman, Dolaithabi and Sadu Yengkhuman joined the protest, alleging deteriorating living conditions in the camps and demanding immediate government action.
The situation deteriorated when security personnel attempted to stop the procession with barbed-wire barricades. Protesters tried to push forward, resulting in a brief clash in which several individuals fell and sustained minor injuries.
Tension spiked further when demonstrators accused a Border Security Force vehicle of nearly hitting a marcher. Security forces responded by firing tear gas and a few warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd, preventing further escalation.
Following the confrontation, participants declared they would not leave the protest site until authorities addressed their grievances. A heavy security presence remained in the area throughout the day amid fears the situation could flare up again.
