Police Initiate Search Operations in Kangpokpi, Manipur, After Legal Complaint Over Gun Salute Incident
Title: Trouble in Manipur: Police Investigate Alleged Gun Incident at Memorial Event
May 3, 2025A heated situation unfolded in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, as an event honoring the victims of the ethnic clash that broke out two years ago witnessed the disconcerting appearance of firearms and a gun salute. This controversial display of power has led to the filing of a police case against the event organizers.
The event was held on a somber note, with Manipur under President's rule, reminding authorities that such violations would not be tolerated, just as Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had warned against the possession of looted and illegal firearms.
Following the incident, the Manipur Police issued a statement, revealing that they've summoned local leaders and elders for questioning. In their search for those responsible, they've recovered five single-barrelled guns and camouflaged uniforms, with evidence suggesting more than five firearms were involved.
"The incident today at Saikul, Kangpokpi District involved a gun salute that violated the permits granted for the event. Such unlawful acts and the show of firearms will not be tolerated," a police officer asserted.
The conflict between the Kuki tribes and the Meiteis continues to rattle Manipur after two years of violence erupting in May 2023. The fighting has grimly claimed between 250–260 lives, displaced 58,000 to 70,000 people, and perpetuated the segregation of communities[1][2][3]. A state-operated bus service intended to restore mobility faced a deadly attack in Kangpokpi in March 2025, further highlighting the ongoing volatility[1].
Under President’s rule, since February 2025 following the collapse of the BJP government, no elected leadership is currently in place, and meaningful progress in prosecuting perpetrators or rehabilitating displaced populations remains elusive[1][3]. Despite increased security deployments, confidence-building initiatives have largely failed[1][3]. Ongoing demands from both communities involve the creation of separate administrative zones and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens[1][2].
With authorities yet to address the systemic drivers of violence or disarm militant factions, incidents like the May 3 gun salute, while not detailed in available reports, align with the persistent tensions that plague Manipur[1][3].
- The heated incident at the memorial event in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, where firearms were exhibited, appears to have roots in the ongoing conflict between the Kuki tribes and the Meiteis, a conflict that has lasted for two years.
- The event organizers are now under investigation by the Manipur Police, who have recovered five single-barrelled guns and camouflaged uniforms, indicating that more than five firearms were involved.
- Deepening the political turmoil in Manipur, the state is currently under President's rule, which has made it challenging to prosecute perpetrators or rehabilitate displaced populations.
- The persistent tensions in Manipur, as seen in incidents like the May 3 gun salute, are a manifestation of the unaddressed systemic drivers of violence and the failure to disarm militant factions.
