Imphal: Displeased with the Centre’s direction to security agencies, to ensure free movement along all roads in Manipur, activists of Kuki-Zo outfits clashed with security forces on National Highway 2 (Imphal – Dimapur Highway) in the Kanpokpi district of the state on Saturday. At least one person was killed and 27 security personnel were injured in the violence.
“Security forces had to resort to tear gas shelling and used batons to bring the situation under control after the mob set fire to several private vehicles and then a state bus on the Imphal-Senapati route on NH2. There were also protests against a peaceful march taken out by the Meitei-based Federation of Civil Society (FOCS). The march was stopped midway by security personnel and curfew has been imposed in the area,” a senior official said.
The protestors from the Kuki-Zo outfits had started blocking traffic on the highway by burning tyres, since Saturday morning. This was when a state bus, escorted by security personnel reached the spot. The protestors started attacking private vehicles in their attempt to get at the bus. The clashes occured when the security forces intervened.
Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, after a high-level meeting in Delhi, had recently directed security agencies to ensure free movement in Manipur. This was a strategic move. The majority Meiteis occupy the valley districts in the state that are hemmed in by the hill districts, where the Kuki-Zo community holds away. For years now, the Meiteis have been complaining of regular roadblocks by Kuki outfits along the highway, disrupting the supply of essentials to the valley districts.
Transporters have been complaining of illegal ‘tax’ collection by the Kuki-Zo outfits at ‘check-posts’. Even tourists and private vehicle operators have been complaining about this extortion tactic adopted by the Kuki outfits. The Meiteis have also also claimed that the extortion results in an increase in the prices of essentials such as foodgrains and medicine.
“Shah is clearly worried about the festering anger among the Hindu-majority Meiteis. So much so that the Meiteis voted against the BJP in the 2024 Parliamentary Elections. The Meiteis also went against the BJP’s Biren Singh-led government in the state for failing to protect their rights. Finally, the BJP was forced to remove Singh and impose President’s Rule in the state in February this year. Shah went a step ahead and ordered ‘free movement’ in Manipur. This has irked the Kuki outfits, as it would ultimately impact their ‘revenue’ collection methods,” a political observer in Manipur said.
Ethnic violence has rocked Manipur since 2024, leaving over 250 people dead and thousands homeless.
