One Protester Dead, Over 40 Injured in Clashes
The atmosphere in Kangpokpi district of Manipur remained tense but calm on Sunday morning following a violent confrontation between security forces and Kuki demonstrators on Saturday. The indefinite shutdown, called by Kuki-Zo groups in protest against an alleged crackdown by security forces, severely disrupted daily life across areas inhabited by the community.
According to officials, Saturday’s clashes resulted in the death of one protester, while more than 40 others, including women and police personnel, sustained injuries. Violence erupted as demonstrators opposed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent directive aimed at ensuring unrestricted movement across Manipur.
Heavy Deployment of Security Forces Along NH-2
Additional security personnel have been stationed in Gamgiphai and other sensitive locations along the crucial NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur Road). Authorities intensified vehicular patrols to maintain order and prevent further escalation.
Despite heightened security measures, clashes persisted late into Saturday night, as protesters wielded catapults and hurled stones at security personnel, causing significant damage to the windshields of at least five official vehicles.
Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum Supports Kuki-Zo Protest
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo community, openly endorsed the indefinite shutdown announced by the Kuki Zo Council (KZC). The shutdown seeks to protest against what the community perceives as excessive use of force by security forces against protesters opposing free movement along various roads in the violence-hit region.
In an official statement, ITLF criticized the Government of India’s decision to facilitate the movement of Meitei community members through predominantly Kuki-Zo territories, stating, “The security forces used excessive force on protesters.” ITLF also urged community members to observe the shutdown in solidarity with the protestors.
Manipur Police Report Injuries and Violent Attacks
According to a detailed statement by the Manipur Police, 27 security force personnel sustained injuries during the confrontation with Kuki demonstrators, who reportedly resorted to stone-pelting, road barricades using boulders, burning tyres, and felling trees.
The statement further revealed that "armed miscreants" among the protesters opened fire towards the security forces, prompting them to retaliate. Among the injured personnel, two are reportedly in critical condition. The security forces claimed to have exercised restraint and used minimal force to counteract the violent mob, which resulted in injuries to 16 protesters and one fatality.
Triggering Incident and Restrictions on Peace March
Police indicated that the unrest began when a Manipur State Transport bus traveling on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route was attacked by stone-pelting demonstrators in Gamgiphai. This incident compelled security forces to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Additionally, tensions intensified following a planned peace march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization. Security forces halted the procession, comprising over 10 vehicles, at Sekmai, citing a lack of required permissions for the march.
Union Home Minister’s Directive on Free Movement
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier directed security personnel on March 1 to enforce unhindered movement across all routes in Manipur starting March 8. Shah also ordered strict actions against those obstructing free travel. His directive held particular significance due to longstanding restrictions on movement since ethnic violence erupted between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in May 2023. The violence has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands.
Political Uncertainty Under President’s Rule
Manipur has been under President's rule since February 13, following Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation amid political instability. Subsequently, the Manipur Assembly has been placed under suspended animation, with its term extending until 2027.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla previously called upon residents to voluntarily surrender illegally acquired weapons, promising immunity from punitive actions. Initially set for seven days from February 20, the surrender deadline was later extended to March 6 in response to requests from both hill and valley regions.
The district continues to experience uneasy calm as security forces remain vigilant to prevent further escalations.
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