The situation in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district remained tense but calm on Sunday morning, a day after violent clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces left one protester dead and more than 40 others injured, including women and police personnel.
The unrest erupted on Saturday when Kuki-Zo protesters opposed the implementation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive allowing free movement across the ethnic strife-torn state. Demonstrators blocked National Highway 2 (NH-2) at Gamgiphai on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, using boulders, felled trees and burning tyres to obstruct traffic.
The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit (also reported as Lalgun Singsit), received bullet injuries during clashes at Keithelmanbi and succumbed to his wounds while being transported to hospital. This marks the first such fatality since President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on 13 February.
According to a statement from Manipur Police, the confrontation began when protesters pelted stones at a Manipur State Transport bus attempting to ply the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route. Security forces responded with tear gas and “minimum force” to disperse what they described as an “unruly and violent mob”.
“Amid the protests, there were incidents of firing from amongst the protesters towards the security forces, to which the security forces retaliated,” the police statement read.
“Due to heavy pelting of stones, use of catapults and random firing by armed miscreants from amongst the protesters, 27 security forces personnel suffered injuries, including two critical injuries.”
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo organisation, has extended support to an indefinite shutdown called by the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) across all areas inhabited by the community in Manipur. The shutdown, which began at midnight on Saturday, has already affected normal life in these regions.
“Yesterday, the Government of India’s decision to allow the movement of Meiteis through Kuki-Zo areas led to agitation and protest in Kangpokpi... the security forces used excessive force on the protesters,” the ITLF said in a statement which has been accessed by Christian Today. “We respect everyone who came out to protest yesterday.”
The protest was also directed against a planned peace march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation. The procession, involving over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi district. Police claimed the march was stopped because the organisers lacked the requisite permissions.
One FOCS member objected to being prevented from proceeding, stating they were simply following Home Minister Shah’s directive allowing free movement across the state from Saturday. Meanwhile, a purported video released by a Kuki-Zo village volunteers group declared opposition to the government’s free movement decision, demanding a separate administration instead. “Any attempt to enter our areas will be met with strong resistance. No free movement before separate administration,” a volunteer was reportedly heard saying.
In response to Saturday’s violence, additional security forces have been deployed in Gamghiphai and other areas along NH-2, with vehicular patrolling being conducted to maintain law and order. Sources reported that protesters continued to clash with security forces late into Saturday night, with demonstrators using catapults against law enforcers and damaging the windshields of at least five security vehicles.
The Kuki Zo Council emphasised in a statement that while peace is welcomed by all, it “cannot be achieved through the imposition of force at the expense of a particular community”. The Council argued that “real peace is built on mutual respect and understanding” and that “forcing peace upon unwilling parties can lead to resentment and further conflict”.
Meitei organisations have demanded strong action against Kuki groups for defying the Centre’s directive to resume transportation.
Movement on NH-2 and NH-37, particularly on stretches passing through Kuki-dominated areas, has remained paralysed since ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in May 2023. The conflict has claimed more than 250 lives and displaced over 60,000 people.
The Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on 13 February, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned, leading to political uncertainty in the northeastern state. The Manipur Assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had earlier urged citizens to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons, initially setting a seven-day deadline that was subsequently extended to 6 March following requests from both hill and valley communities.
Officials report that the indefinite shutdown continues across Kuki-dominated areas, with authorities maintaining heightened security measures. Security forces are conducting regular patrols along affected highways as the administration works to prevent further escalation in the region, according to district officials.
