India, Nov. 24 -- Fresh tension erupted in Manipur's Imphal East district on Monday after hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) heading towards their abandoned villages for resettlement were blocked by security forces.

An official on condition of anonymity said the standoff escalated after IDPs attempted to push through the barricades and enter what they described as a sensitive area bordering the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district of Manipur.

Security personnel fired tear gas shells and a few blank rounds to control the crowd. Around four IDPs were reportedly injured in the clash. The area remained tense at the time of filing this report, with additional forces deployed to prevent further escalation.

Displaced persons have be...