Tension looms over Manipur as Kukis enforce 'indefinite blockade' to Centre's free movement initiative

Guwahati: Kuki protesters in Manipur on Sunday enforced "indefinite shutdown" in all Kuki-dominated districts resulting in a halt to the government's move to resume "free movement" in the strife-torn state.

Movement of buses from Imphal to other states via Kuki-dominated areas remained suspended since the conflict involving the Meitei and the Kukis flared up in May 2023.

Similarly, the buses from the Kuki-dominated districts avoided Meitei-dominated valley fearing further escalation of the conflict.

Manipur state department had decided to resume bus services with escorts from central paramilitary forces on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati and Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachadpur route from Saturday as per Home Minister Amit Shah's order on March 1 to ensure "free movement" in the state.

Shah also ordered for strict action against those obstructing the movement.

But on Saturday, when a bus from Imphal reached Gamgiphai area in Kangpokpi, Kuki protesters blocked the NH-2 by felling trees and throwing stones on the road.

This led to clashes with the security forces in which one Kuki protester died and 43 others were injured.

Manipur police on Saturday said among the 27 injured were personnel of the security forces. This was first death since the President's Rule was promulgated on February 13.

However, police said buses plied on the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur route without any hindrace.

Demand of the Kukis

The Kuki organisations want that a solution to their demand for a "separate administration" in the form of a Union Territory must be reached first before allowing movement of the Meiteis through the Kuki-dominated areas.

Ginza Vualzong, the spokesperson of the Kuki Zo Council, an apex body of the Kuki-Zo organisaitons, said the Centre was trying to "impose" free movement without any headway in talks. "The shutdown will continue indefinitely," he told DH on Sunday.

On Sunday, normal life in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Pherzwl and parts of Jiribam were affected as the Kuki protesters tried to block the roads by burning tyres and throwing stones. Videos showed the security forces clearing the roads.

But Manipur state transport buses were suspended in order to avoid further violence.

After the conflict started, Meiteis fled the Kuki areas while Kukis too left the Valley as the central security forces were deployed to man the "buffer zones" in between that saw sporadic incidents of firing.

Twice before, efforts to resume bus services between the Valley and the Kuk-dominated districts failed due to protests by the Kukis.

Timeline

March 1: Home Minister Amit Shah instructed "free movement" on all roads in Manipur starting March 8. 

March 4: Kuki organisations reject Shah's directive and refuse to allow movement of Meiteis till their demand for "separate administration" is settled.

March 6: Security forces launch a drive against "obstructions" on NH-2 stretches passing through Kuki-dominated areas and dismantle "bunkers" put up by Kuki "village volunteers."   

March 8: One protester was killed and 43 others injured in clash with security forces when Kukis blocked buses and "free movement."