“Security personnel made repeated attempts to stop and peacefully disperse the protestors. IGP (Zone–I) Themthing Ngashangva was on the scene supervising the situation. Police teams, including women personnel, repeatedly tried to stop and disperse the group,” the police said in a statement.

However, the statement added, the mob turned violent, throwing water bottles and placards at the police while a woman protestor assaulted the IGP and used derogatory racial slurs while he was performing his duty.

“The mob later moved toward the palace premises, where house guards of the Hon’ble MP allowed them inside, hindering police efforts. The IGP approached the gate to question the action of the house guards. He did not enter the premises of the palace,” the police said.

Stating that a criminal case has been registered, the police further stated that efforts were underway to identify the woman protestor who assaulted the IGP.

Meanwhile, attendance was thin on the opening day of the festival which was inaugurated by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. The festival could not be held in the previous two years due to the ethnic conflict.

Manipur was placed under President’s rule on February 13 this year after the BJP failed to reach a consensus on a successor to N Biren Singh, who had resigned as Chief Minister on February 9. He stepped down just a day before his government was due to face a no-confidence motion and a floor test.