Ukhrul: Just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the state, tensions have resurfaced in Manipur. On Monday morning, a passenger bus travelling from Sinakeithei to Imphal was reportedly stopped by suspected Kuki armed men at Molnom in Ukhrul district.
Local sources stated that the incident took place between 7:30 am and 8:00 am. The armed men are said to have halted the bus after suspecting that one of the passengers was taking photographs of their camp. They allegedly seized passengers’ mobile phones, checked them for photos or videos, and later returned the devices.
A video circulating on social media shows armed men running toward the bus, forcing it to stop before boarding it briefly.
Sinakeithei, from where the bus started its journey, is a Tangkhul Naga village in Ukhrul district, about 42 km from Imphal.
The Sagolmang Areas Naga Students’ Association (SANSA) strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric, cowardly, and unlawful.” The student body alleged that the armed men conducted a forced search of passengers’ phones and resorted to blank firing, causing panic and insecurity among civilians.
“Such acts of intimidation and violence against defenseless passengers are completely unacceptable and demand the strongest condemnation. The lives, rights, and safety of people must never be compromised,” the statement said.
SANSA urged authorities to take immediate and stringent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of all communities while upholding the rule of law.
The student body also warned that if such incidents continue without intervention, it would be forced to consider stronger measures to defend the security and dignity of the people.
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