Imphal, 22 June (HS): An emergency highway shutdown called by Kuki civil society organisations in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district turned violent on Monday after protestors clashed with security personnel along National Highway-37 in the New Keithelmanbi area. The confrontation left at least three people critically injured, further escalating tensions in the region.
The shutdown entered its second day amid protests against alleged selective security operations in Kuki-Zo inhabited villages. Demonstrators gathered in large numbers along the crucial Imphal–Jiribam highway, disrupting the vehicular movement and demanding an immediate end to the ongoing operations.
According to reports, tensions flared when security forces moved to clear the highway and restore traffic. The situation quickly deteriorated as crowd-control measures, including the reported use of blank firing, smoke bombs and other anti-riot tactics, triggered panic among the protestors.
Condemning the action, the Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills (KISW-SH) alleged that security personnel used tear gas shells, blank ammunition and baton charges to disperse participants of the shutdown. The organisation claimed that three individuals sustained critical injuries during the confrontation.
In a statement, KISW-SH described the security response as excessive and accused authorities of ignoring public grievances while resorting to force against what it termed a democratic protest. The organisation said the shutdown was organised to oppose alleged discriminatory combing operations targeting Kuki-dominated areas.
The group also linked the ongoing ethnic tensions to the NSCN-IM and the ZUF-Kamson faction, demanding legal action against those it held responsible for the unrest. Warning of intensified agitation, KISW-SH stated that the protests would continue unless authorities address their concerns and ensure accountability.
The latest incident underscores the continuing volatility in Kangpokpi district, where allegations surrounding security operations have repeatedly led to highway blockades, shutdowns and public demonstrations.-----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
