Manipur violence: Protester killed in Kangpokpi; shutdown in Kuki-Zo areas from midnight

Guwahati: One protester belonging to Kuki community died and at least 43 others, including security forces, were seriously injured on Saturday when a crowd blocked the NH-2 in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district in Manipur to stop resumption of movement on the road.

Manipur police said the confrontation took place at Gamgiphai on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, where Kuki protesters stopped a Manipur State Transport bus from Imphal by felling trees and throwing boulders on the highway.

This was the first such death since promulgation of the President's Rule in the strife-torn state on February 13.

Police said at least 27 security force personnel were injured due to pelting of stones, use of catapults and firing by the protesters. Two of them were critically injured. Another 16 protesters were injured when the security forces retaliated, following which one person succumbed to injuries.

Kuki Zo Council, an apex body of the Kuki-Zo organisations, said the deceased was identified as Lalgun Singsit, a resident of Keithelmanbi area in Kangpokpi district. More than 50 others, including women, were injured in the firing and action by the security forces, the council said. The Kuki-Zo organisations announced a "total shutdown" in the Kuki-dominated areas from midnight of Saturday to prevent resumption of movement on the highway.

Sources said a bus of Manipur State Transport was set on fire by protesters.

The police said vehicles carrying essential items, however, plied on the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur route without any hindrance.

Setback to Centre:

The protesters defied Home Minister Amit Shah's recent order to resume movement on all roads in conflict-torn Manipur. They say the solution to their demand for a "separate administration" must be reached first.

"The Kuki-Zo Council firmly emphasizes that while the idea of peace is indeed welcomed by all, it cannot be achieved through the imposition of force at the expense of a particular community. Real peace is built on mutual respect and understanding. Forcing peace upon unwilling parties can lead to resentment and further conflict, undermining the very goal of harmony. A sustainable peace must be fostered through careful consideration of the interests and aspirations of the affected community," Council said in a statement on Saturday evening.

Meitei organisations demanded strong action against the Kuki organisations for defying the Centre's move to resume transportation.

Movement on the NH-2 and NH-37 has remained paralysed, particularly on the stretches passing through the Kuki-dominated areas, since the conflict involving the Meitei and the Kuki community flared up in May 2023. More than 250 people have died and over 60,000 others have been displaced due to the conflict.