Bikers and Locals Clash in Manipur's Kuki Village: Police Confirm Non-Communal Nature of Incident

One of the bikers injured in the clash at a Kuki village in Manipur

Imphal/Guwahati:

Police have reported that an altercation between a group of bikers and local residents occurred in a Kuki village in Manipur's Ukhrul district, stemming from concerns about reckless driving and noise. Authorities have urged the public to disregard rumors attributing communal motivations to the incident.

On Tuesday, young men from the Muslim community visited a waterfall in Ukhrul district by motorcycle. During their return journey to Imphal valley, they paused at a shop in Shangkai village, where local residents approached them with questions, according to police accounts.

The confrontation escalated partly due to communication difficulties between the two groups, resulting in villagers attacking the motorcyclists, police explained.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that the incident was not communally motivated, despite attempts by some social media users to frame it as such. Police responded promptly upon receiving reports of the clash. Both parties subsequently engaged in discussions facilitated by a senior police officer and resolved to move forward from the incident.

"The incident occurred due to sudden provocation and misunderstanding between the bikers and the villagers. It was spontaneous in nature and not communal," stated the Manipur Police.

Although the situation has been stabilized, police indicated they would maintain vigilance in the area.

Altaf Hussain, a Meitei Pangal (Muslim Meitei) who was among the 32 men riding 16 motorcycles to the waterfall, informed reporters that villagers attacked their group at 6:30 PM while they were returning from Ukhrul's main town.

He explained that the motorcycle excursion was organized to promote the establishment of a 'Muslim Riders Club,' engage youth in constructive activities, and discourage drug use.

According to Hussain, some faster riders had stopped in the village to await the others when local residents approached inquiring about their identities and destination. The situation rapidly deteriorated as voices were raised on both sides.

Manipur has experienced ethnic tensions between the valley's Meitei community and the Kuki tribes. Kuki organizations with connections to armed groups in dialogue with the central government have stated that Meiteis do not enjoy freedom of movement in certain areas.

These Kuki organizations have warned that Meiteis passing through Kuki territories do so at their own risk.