Tension in Manipur village after Kukis stop Meitei farmer from ploughing field

Tension flared in a village in Manipur's Imphal East on Sunday after a farmer from the Meitei community was stopped by some members of the Kuki tribe from ploughing a paddy field.

The Meitei farmer arrived with a tractor to plough a paddy field in Sadu Lampak, near a Kuki village, officials said. However, some Kuki villagers objected, claiming that the paddy field did not belong to him.

Shortly after, nearby Meitei residents arrived at the site, escalating tensions in the area.

Videos circulating on social media allege that Kuki villagers came down to stop Meitei farmers from cultivating the land, according to Manipur Police. In some other videos, the villagers from both sides are seen throwing stones and slingshots at each other.

Security forces, including teams led by the Additional SP of Imphal East and central paramilitary personnel, reached the spot and are actively controlling the situation. Additional reinforcements led by the district SP have also been dispatched.

Security personnel are continuously attending to the situation, which is under control. No casualties have been reported so far.

Authorities have urged the people not to believe in rumours and to maintain peace.

Manipur has been witnessing protests as demonstrators defied prohibitory orders and clashed with security forces across several districts of Imphal Valley, demanding the unconditional release of the arrested leader of Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol Kanan Singh and four others.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre on February 13 imposed President's rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.

The state Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

(with inputs from PTI)