Four displaced villagers injured in Imphal East as return-home protest meets security resistance

Four internally displaced persons were injured on November 24 after a protest march by residents of Sajiwa and Swombung relief camps turned tense near Dolaithabi Dam in Imphal East, Manipur.

IDPs from Ekou, Yengkhuman, Dolaithabi and Sadu Yengkhuman joined the demonstration. The procession began at Pukhao Terapur and moved towards Dolaithabi before security forces attempted to block the march with barbed-wire barricades.

A scuffle broke out as protesters tried to move past the barricades. Several people stumbled during the confrontation, resulting in minor injuries. Demonstrators said they were demanding a safe and immediate return to their homes, claiming life in the camps had become increasingly difficult.

Tension rose further when protesters accused a BSF vehicle of nearly hitting one participant. Security personnel responded with tear gas and a few blank rounds to disperse the crowd as the situation threatened to spiral.

Residents from the affected villages later said the IDPs would not leave the protest site until authorities addressed their concerns. The area remained on edge as security forces maintained a heavy presence.