Police convoy attacked; questions rose over government’s failure to enforce law in hill areas

A convoy of Manipur Police came under attack by a mob at Longja village in Chandel district late Wednesday night, exposing once again the government’s failure to ensure the effective functioning of law-enforcing agencies in the hill districts.
Officials said several police vehicles, including one belonging to the Additional Superintendent of Police, sustained damage to their windshields during the attack. The convoy was reportedly obstructed by a group of Kuki women, who stood in front of the vehicles, preventing them from moving forward.
The incident underscores the deteriorating law and order situation in the hill districts, where police personnel often face resistance in carrying out their duties. Despite President’s Rule being in place, enforcement remains weak, raising concerns over the government’s ability to restore normalcy.
The attack comes against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions between Kuki and Meitei communities that have claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands since violence erupted in May 2023.