Imphal, June 30 -- Tension gripped Manipur's Imphal East district on Tuesday after security forces fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse Meira Paibi-led women protesters opposing the relocation of a camp of the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P) at Nongshum.

The confrontation erupted after villagers blocked the movement of UNLF-P cadres who had begun vacating the frontline camp at Nongshum in the Uyungpok area following a directive from the outfit's Military Affairs Committee.

The protesters, led by local women groups and Meira Paibis, prevented the convoy from leaving the camp, arguing that the presence of the UNLF-P served as a "protection shield" against nearby militants. They said relocating the camp wou...