On September 9, 2024, students from multiple institutions, including Dhanamanjuri University, Naorem Birahari College, and Imphal College, clashed with police outside the residence of the Imphal district governor in Manipur state. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters, injuring at least 26.
On the morning of September 9, the students gathered outside the governor’s residence, where they broke through police barricades and chanted slogans such as “Long Live Manipur”, “Resign all incompetent MLAs”, and “Give Unified Command to State Government.” A group of 10 students were then permitted to enter the residence with a charter of demands.
In the early afternoon, students outside the residence began hurling plastic water bottles and stones at the gates and at security personnel. In response, police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse the crowd. The clash lasted for about 15 minutes. Ten students fainted and 26 students were injured.
The protest was part of a series of demonstrations that broke out across Manipur state on September 9 and 10, as thousands of students demanded the resignation of government officials after a wave of deadly drone and missile attacks by insurgents from the Kuki National Army. The Kuki National Army is the armed wing of the Kuki National Organization which aims to represent interests of the Kuki ethnic group in northeast India.
Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students must refrain from violence and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.
Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
Chronicle News Service (India); E-Pao; Sangai Express
https://www.northeasttoday.in/2024/09/10/manipur-44-students-2-police-personnel-injured-in-protests-across-imphal-thoubal-districts/#google_vignette
https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=19..100924.sep24
https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/9/10/OSR-CorrespondentsIMP-TBL-KAK-Sep-9-A-large-number-of-students-took-out-protest-rallies-in-different-parts.html#/google_vignette
https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/widespread-student-protests-shake-manipur-demanding-action-on-state-crisis/
https://www.newslaundry.com/2024/09/10/amid-fresh-manipur-violence-students-hold-mass-protests
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/curfews-web-curbs-in-manipur-amid-clashes-101725993308863.html