Manipur: Protest erupts in Kamjong over SP's transfer after Chassad village attack

Protests broke out at the Kamjong district headquarters in Manipur against the state government's decision to transfer Superintendent of Police (in-charge) Tholu Rocky, with demonstrators demanding that the order be revoked.

The protesters held a torch rally that began at Kamjong Bazaar at 5 pm and culminated at Chassad Police Station. They alleged that the transfer followed a request by a Kuki MLA to Chief Minister N Biren Singh and state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam.

The demonstrators rejected the alleged social media post cited as the reason behind the transfer and urged the government to reconsider its decision.

Meanwhile, the Poumai Naga Officers’ Association, Imphal (PNOAI), condemned the alleged viral social media content, describing it as an attempt at the “character assassination” of Tholu Rocky, a senior Manipur Police Service officer who was serving as SP of Kamjong. The association also criticised the subsequent transfer order issued by the state government.

In a statement, the PNOAI said government officers, irrespective of caste, creed or gender, were required to discharge their duties in accordance with departmental service rules and government directives.

The association also cautioned civil society organisations and individuals against circulating fabricated information intended to damage an officer's reputation without following due process or establishing the allegations with evidence.

According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Tholu Rocky, who was serving as SP (in-charge) of Kamjong, has been transferred with immediate effect until further orders. He has been assigned to take charge as additional director of the Manipur Police Training College.
IPS officer Jay Barrage, who was serving as Additional SP (Law and Order), Imphal West, has been appointed SP (in-charge) of Kamjong, the order stated.

The transfer came a day after a civilian was killed and five others were injured in an attack on Chassad village, a Kuki settlement in the Naga-majority Kamjong district.
The incident has added to tensions in the district, where the latest developments surrounding the police officer's transfer have triggered protests and demands for the government to withdraw its decision.