A memorial event marking two years since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur has triggered legal action after participants were seen carrying firearms and performing a gun salute. The event, held on Saturday in Saikul, Kangpokpi district—an area dominated by the Kuki tribe—has led to a police FIR against the organisers.
The Manipur Police stated on social media that local leaders and elders have been summoned to the police station. “In connection with the gun salute incident at Saikul, Kangpokpi District today (03.05.2025), FIR has been registered in connection with the case. Local leaders and elders were summoned to Police Station,” the post read.
Police Recover Firearms, Launch Raids
Law enforcement officials confirmed they recovered five single-barrel guns and camouflage uniforms from the event. At least five guns were visibly used during the gun salute, and police said operations are underway to recover the rest.
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Even with President’s Rule in place, the BJP/RSS handpicked governor in Manipur has DELIBERATELY allowed #KukiAggression to persist.@RajBhavManipur @BhallaAjay26 @AmitShah
Armed #KukiTerrorists were seen marching and giving a gun salute in?Kangpokpi even today, an open display… https://t.co/jaEbgNERNT pic.twitter.com/eNJ0XPozmi— Sanguine (@EnhancingChanu) May 3, 2025
“Raids have been conducted at different areas to arrest the miscreants. 05 (five) Single Barrel Guns and camouflage uniforms have been seized. Raids will continue to arrest the miscreants and seize the other guns. Organizers of the programme will be dealt as per law,” said Manipur Police.
A senior officer emphasized that the display of weapons during the event violated the conditions of permission granted by local authorities. “Carrying firearms at the event and giving a gun salute violated the permission granted by the local authority to hold the event,” he said, adding, “With the state under the President’s rule, no violation of the law or show of firearms would be tolerated.”
In connection with the gun salute incident at Saikul, Kangpokpi District today (03.05.2025), FIR has been registered in connection with the case. Local leaders and elders were summoned to Police Station. Raids have been conducted at different areas to arrest the miscreants. 05…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) May 3, 2025
Ongoing Tensions in Ethnic Flashpoint
The incident comes at a sensitive time, as Manipur continues to be governed under President’s Rule. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had recently warned residents against keeping looted or illegal weapons.
Saikul, the scene of the latest incident, was also where violence broke out on March 8 when members of the Kuki community blocked roads and attacked central forces enforcing the Centre’s order to restore free movement.
The ethnic conflict between the Kuki tribes and the Meiteis, which erupted in May 2023, remains unresolved, fueled by disputes over land rights and political representation.
