Protests Disrupt Traffic in Manipur Amid Ongoing Tensions

Protests Intensify in Manipur

Imphal, June 22: The emergency shutdown of highways initiated by Kuki civil society groups has now entered its second day, with women protesters and volunteers obstructing crucial sections of National Highway-2 (NH-2) in Kangpokpi district. This blockade has significantly disrupted traffic along the essential Imphal-Dimapur route, escalating tensions amid ongoing security operations in the region.

Protesters have gathered in large numbers at various points along the highway, including Kangpokpi, Motbung, and Saparmeina, while local markets, businesses, and educational institutions have remained closed in several areas.

Traffic has been largely halted, with exceptions made only for ambulances, medical emergencies, and humanitarian aid.

Protesters gathered at NH-2 stretch, blocking vehicular movement (Photo: AT)

The shutdown, organized by Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and backed by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), is a response to what they claim are "selective and biased" security operations targeting Kuki-Zo areas and their village volunteers.

The protests began on Sunday, with hundreds of Kuki-Zo residents participating in demonstrations across Kangpokpi, Saparmeina, Gamgiphai, and nearby regions.

CoTU later declared an indefinite bandh along NH-2 and NH-37, citing perceived bias in security measures and demanding equal protection for Kuki-Zo civilians, a transparent investigation into recent violence, and accountability for security lapses.

“Given the worsening security conditions and the ongoing threats to innocent civilians, CoTU urges the Government of India, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs, to take immediate action,” the statement emphasized.

These protests coincide with extensive search operations being conducted by joint teams from the Army, CRPF, and Manipur Police in the nearby villages of Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul since Saturday night.

These villages, home to Kuki and Naga communities, have seen increased tensions recently, including gunfire exchanges that resulted in injuries to three residents of Leilon Vaiphei.

Janghaolun Haokip, a spokesperson for the Kuki CSOs, stated that the shutdown reflects a collective response to what they perceive as disproportionate security actions against Kuki-Zo villages.

"Our village volunteers are protecting communities due to the lack of adequate security in vulnerable areas. Any actions against them will be met with strong opposition from the people," Haokip asserted.

Additionally, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the leading Kuki organization, condemned what it described as the ongoing victimization of Kuki communities through selective security operations.

The organization claimed that repeated combing operations in areas like Kangchup and Leilon Vaiphei have instilled fear among civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.

KIM also questioned the focus of recent security operations following a bomb attack in L. Munlui village that injured three Kuki youths, alleging that subsequent actions targeted Kuki villages instead of those responsible for the attack.

The organization called on the Government of India and security forces to ensure that all operations are fair, evidence-based, and applied uniformly to all armed groups, regardless of ethnicity.

Manipur Police confirmed that joint search operations by the Army, CRPF, and state police are ongoing in the areas surrounding Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul.

Nighttime protests have also been reported in various parts of Kangpokpi district, where residents, particularly women, have gathered in public spaces demanding impartial security measures and showing support for village volunteers.

As major highways remain blocked for a second consecutive day and protests spread across multiple locations, concerns are rising regarding civilian movement, essential supplies, and the overall security situation in the hill districts of Manipur.