State Transport Bus Attacked in Kangpokpi Hours After Public Travel Resumed in Manipur

Imphal: Normalcy resumed in Manipur after over two years as inter-district bus services between Imphal to the hilly areas resumed on Saturday. However, hours after public travel resumed, a Manipur state transport bus was attacked by a mob in Kangpokpi area.

Manipur Transport Bus Attacked in Kangpokpi, Hours After Public Travel Resumed

The attack on the bus traveling to Senapati district occurred when a mob pelted the passenger vehicle with stones in the Gamgiphai area of Kagpokpi district, according to officials. In response, security forces used tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse the crowd, causing injuries to several protesters. 

Also Read: Amit Shah Chairs High-Level Meeting on Manipur Security, Calls for Free Public Movement From March 8

Buses heading to the hill districts of Churachandpur and Senapati were dispatched from Imphal airport around 10 am, initially without passengers. A large convoy of central forces, including army personnel, provided an escort for the vehicles. The bus traveling to Churachandpur reached Kangvai after passing through Bishnupur district without any issues. Meanwhile, the bus heading to Senapati district via Kangpokpi encountered no obstruction until it reached Kanglatongbi in Imphal West district.

As per the officials, the bus service resumed in a bid to ‘alleviate public inconveniences and as an initiative towards bringing normalcy in the state’.

HM Amit Shah Directs Security Forces to Ensure Free Movement on All Routes in Manipur

Inter-district bus services were started again following a recent directive from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who asked the security forces to ensure the smooth movement of people on all routes in Manipur starting from March 8, i.e. today. He also emphasized the need for strict action against those causing disruptions. During a meeting to assess the security situation in Manipur, Shah reiterated the Centre's strong commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state and assured that all necessary support is being provided. This marked the first such meeting since the imposition of President's rule in the northeastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023.