English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Manipur’s Kangpokpi district tense day after violent clashes, additional security forces deployed

The confrontation continued into Saturday night, during which protesters used catapults against law enforcement, damaging windshields on at least five security vehicles.

Published

on

On the morning of Sunday, March 9, the situation in the violence-stricken Kangpokpi district of Manipur remained tense yet calm amid an indefinite shutdown declared by Kuki-Zo groups in response to a “crackdown by security forces.” This shutdown has disrupted daily life in all areas populated by the community in this ethnically conflict-ridden state.

On Saturday, clashes erupted between Kuki demonstrators and security personnel, resulting in the death of one protester and injuries to over 40 individuals, including women and police officers, as reported by officials.

The clashes began when police employed tear gas to disperse Kuki demonstrators opposing a directive from Union Home Minister Amit Shah that permitted free movement across the state. In light of the escalating tensions, additional security forces have been deployed throughout Gamghiphai and other locations along the NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur Road) to maintain order, with ongoing vehicular patrols, as stated by a district official.

The confrontation continued into Saturday night, during which protesters used catapults against law enforcement, damaging windshields on at least five security vehicles.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo organization, has backed the indefinite shutdown initiated by the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) in the community’s areas throughout Manipur to protest against the alleged excessive actions of the security forces toward protestors advocating for free movement in the state. ITLF remarked, “The Indian government’s recent decision to allow Meiteis to move through Kuki-Zo territories sparked agitation and protest in Kangpokpi… security forces resorted to excessive force against the protesters.” They called for solidarity with the shutdown.

Manipur Police reported that 27 security personnel were injured during the clashes, where Kuki protesters pelted them with stones, erected barricades with large boulders, set tires ablaze, and felled trees. Some protesters reportedly fired at security forces, which prompted a retaliatory response.

The altercation reportedly began when a Manipur State Transport bus traveling along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route was attacked, compelling security forces to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Additionally, the protests were aimed at disrupting a peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei group, which was halted by police at Sekmai due to lack of permission.

On March 1, Mr. Shah had instructed security forces to guarantee unrestricted movement for people throughout Manipur, starting March 8, and mandated strict measures against anyone obstructing this movement. This directive was crucial as unimpeded travel in the state has been significantly hindered since ethnic violence erupted between the two communities in May 2023, resulting in over 250 fatalities and thousands displaced.

The Central government imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, which led to a tumultuous political environment. The state assembly, which is scheduled to serve until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation per the Ministry of Home Affairs notification.

Furthermore, on February 20, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla urged residents to surrender illegally held weapons voluntarily within a week, promising no punitive measures would be taken against those complying. The deadline was later extended to 4 p.m. on March 6, in consideration of requests for more time from communities in both hill and valley regions.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

on

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

on

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

Published

on

Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com