GUWAHTI: Manipur’s restive hills resonated with disquiet on Sunday amid the silence of an indefinite shutdown called by the Kuki-Zo Council in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl and other tribal-dominant areas after weekend clashes with security personnel left a Kuki protester dead and over 20 injured.
The shutdown since Saturday night, supported by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), was called in protest against the crackdown on Kuki tribals opposed to the resumption of civilian traffic between the hills and the valley after more than 18 months. The Kuki-Zo Council and ITLF are also sticking to their demand for a separate administration for the hill districts.
Traffic suspended
The clashes occurred in Kangpokpi when protesters tried to block vehicular movement between the valley and hills, defying home minister Amit Shah’s recent directive to restore free movement.
Traffic between Manipur hills & valley remains suspended
While no violence was reported on Sunday, traffic between the hills and valley remained suspended. Protesters burned tyres and blocked roads with boulders and makeshift barricades, all of which were cleared by security forces.
“The Centre’s decision to allow free movement of Meiteis through the Kuki-Zo area led to the agitation in Kangpokpi. Security forces used excessive force on the protesters… ITLF extends its deepest respects to Lalgouthang Singsit, who sacrificed his life, as well as to everyone who suffered injuries. We respect everyone who came out to protest for the cause of our people yesterday,” ITLF said. “Govt may take our lives, but they can never take away our freedom and rights,” the forum said, urging the Kuki-Zo community to remain united.
Protesters allowed only emergency traffic through the hill districts. Additional security forces were deployed at Gamgiphai, the gateway to Kangpokpi, and other locations in the district where clashes broke out Saturday. Forces also patrolled NH-2 to ensure unrestricted vehicle movement. Manipur Police wrote on X that 27 security personnel were injured in Saturday’s clashes, with two of them in a critical condition.
“Security forces showed tremendous restraint while trying to control the unruly and violent mob and used minimum force to control and counter the anti-social elements, including firing by armed miscreants from among the protestors,” the post said.
“Further, it is to clarify that claims made in press releases of Kuki-Zo Council and Kuki Students’ Organisation dated March 8, 2025, that security forces were escorting local protesters are totally baseless.”
A Manipur State Transport Corporation bus, four LPG containers and three oil tankers were escorted through the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur and Churachandpur-Bishnupur-Imphal routes. On Saturday, a mob in Kangpokpi district pelted a bus with stones.
