Youth Congress Members Clash with Police in Imphal During Anti-BJP Protest
A violent confrontation unfolded on Saturday between members of the Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) and police personnel in Imphal. The incident occurred as Youth Congress activists protested against what they described as the "dictatorial rule of the BJP" and attempted to march to the local BJP office to burn an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Protest Sparked by Arrests at AI Summit
The demonstration was organized to decry the recent arrest of Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib and other members. These arrests were made in connection with a "shirtless" protest staged at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Chib was granted bail on the same day as the Imphal protest.
Gathering at the Congress Bhavan, the Youth Congress members took to the streets with plans to march towards the BJP office. However, police personnel intercepted the protesters at the gate of Congress Bhavan, leading to a physical scuffle between the two groups.
Effigy Seized After Catching Fire
Despite the police intervention, the Youth Congress members managed to bring out the effigy of Prime Minister Modi, which they had originally intended to burn in front of the BJP office. As tensions escalated, police attempted to snatch the effigy from the protesters. The effigy was ultimately seized by police personnel after a part of it accidentally caught fire during the altercation.
Youth Congress Leader Condemns BJP Government
Speaking to reporters after the incident, MPYCC president Wahengbam Anand strongly criticized the Modi government, alleging suppression of democratic rights and values. He vowed that his members would continue to fight for people's rights and uphold the nation's democratic principles.
Anand also lambasted the BJP in Manipur and its affiliated wings for organizing counter-demonstrations against the Youth Congress protest at the India AI Impact Summit. He pointed out that the BJP had never staged protests for innocent civilians killed during the three-year-long clashes in Manipur, suggesting the party prioritizes its own interests over public suffering.
"It seems the BJP people here are more concerned about their party than the sufferings of the people," Anand stated emphatically.Commitment to Peaceful Protest
The Youth Congress leader emphasized that they are not afraid to challenge what he called "grave injustice" under the Modi-led BJP government. He reaffirmed their commitment to defending democratic principles and ensuring justice for all citizens.
Anand explained that the struggle of the Youth Congress aims to protect India's democratic values and secure justice for the people. He asserted that the organization would continue to engage in peaceful protests without fear, maintaining their dedication to democratic processes despite the day's confrontations.
The incident highlights ongoing political tensions in Manipur, with opposition groups increasingly vocal against the ruling BJP government's policies and actions at both state and national levels.
