Security personnel block the peace rally organized by the
Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) preventing participants from proceeding
towards Senapati, in Imphal, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (PTI Photo)
Imphal/Churachandpur — Normal life was affected in Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur
on Sunday as agitators enforced an indefinite shutdown called by Kuki-Zo groups
against a "crackdown by security forces".
The situation in Kangpokpi district, where at least one
person was killed and 40 others were injured in clashes between Kuki
demonstrators and security forces on the previous day, remained tense but calm
on Sunday.
In other Kuki-dominated areas in Churachandpur and
Tengnoupal districts as well, protesters burnt tyres and blocked roads with
boulders, which the security forces were seen clearing.
However, no fresh violence has been reported so far.
Business establishments remained closed and few vehicles
were seen plying the roads in Kuki-dominated areas in the state. Agitators were
seen asking people to remain indoors.
Additional security forces have been deployed in Gamghiphai
and other parts of the district along the NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur Road) and
vehicular patrolling was being conducted to ensure law and order, a district
official said.
A protester was killed while over 40 others, including women
and policemen, were injured in clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security
forces in different parts of Kangpokpi district on Saturday, officials said.
Clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces in
the Kuki-dominated district after police fired tear gas shells to disperse
them, as they opposed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive allowing free
movement across the state.
Protesters clashed with security forces till late on
Saturday night as the agitators used catapults against the law enforcers, he
said, adding windshields of at least five vehicles of the security forces were
damaged.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo body,
extended support to the indefinite shutdown called by Kuki Zo Council (KZC) in
all areas inhabited by the community in Manipur to protest the crackdown of
security forces on demonstrators protesting free movement along all roads in the
ethnic strife-torn state.
In a statement, ITLF said, "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."
Endorsing the indefinite shutdown called in all Kuki-Zo
areas, ITLF asked everyone to "adhere to the shutdown in solidarity".
"We respect everyone who came out to protest
yesterday," the ITLF said.
Manipur Police, in a statement, said 27 security personnel
were injured in the attacks by the Kuki protesters who pelted them with stones,
and barricaded roads by putting up huge boulders, setting tyres on fire and
felling trees.
"Amid the protests, there were incidents of firing from
amongst the protesters towards the security forces, to which the security
forces retaliated," the statement said.
"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," it
said.
"The 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. During the skirmish, 16 protesters were
reportedly injured and one protester succumbed to injuries," it said.
According to the police, it all started when a Manipur State
Transport bus plied along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, a mob started
pelting the vehicle with stones at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district prompting
security forces to use tear gas and minimum force to disperse the crowd.
The protest was also directed against a 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 that the procession was stopped
as those taking it out did not have requisite permission.
Shah had on March 1 directed security forces to ensure free
movement of people on all routes in Manipur from March 8 and also called for
strict action against those creating obstructions.
The order bore significance as unhindered travel throughout
the state has remained affected since ethnic violence broke out between the two
communities in May 2023. The violence left over 250 people killed and thousands
homeless since then.
The Centre had imposed President's rule in Manipur on February
13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post leading to
political uncertainty in the northeastern state.
The Manipur Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been
put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the
Ministry of Home Affairs.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had on February 20 urged the
people of the state to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons
within seven days, assuring no punitive action would be initiated against those
giving up arms during this period. He later extended the deadline till 4 pm on
March 6, following demands by people from both hill and valley areas for
additional time.
