Churachandpur: A tribal body in Manipur has initiated an economic blockade in Kuki-Zo inhabited regions to protest alleged actions by security forces against women in Kangpokpi district.
Simultaneously, a 24-hour shutdown was observed on Friday in Kangpokpi by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) over the reported baton charge on women in Saibol village on December 31.
The Kuki-Zo Council, which began the economic blockade at midnight on January 2, announced it would continue until 2 am on Saturday.
The council cited “disregard for tribal rights and dignity” as the reason for the protest. During the blockade, the movement of vehicles and transportation of essential goods through Kuki-Zo areas is being restricted.
Henlienthang Thanglet, chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council, stated that protests would escalate if the government fails to provide compensation for the women injured during the alleged baton charge by security forces.
A violent clash erupted earlier this week between a mob led by Kuki-Zo women and security forces in Kangpokpi district.
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The confrontation occurred as the mob reportedly attempted to disrupt the deployment of a joint team of the Army, BSF, and CRPF.
The police claimed the deployment was aimed at maintaining order in the region, which has been plagued by ethnic violence.
“The economic blockade will be reinstated if the government does not uphold the sanctity of the buffer zone,” warned Thanglet.
The buffer zone is a neutral area separating warring Kuki and Meitei communities.
CoTU, supporting the Kuki-Zo Council’s protest, initially observed a 12-hour shutdown on Thursday, which was extended to a 24-hour strike due to a lack of response from the government.
CoTU also called for the immediate withdrawal of central forces from Saibol, describing their presence as “unnecessary and provocative.”
Protests extended to Tengnoupal, where a sit-in was held near the Moreh Youth Club office against alleged atrocities committed by security forces on Kuki-Zo women.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, which has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands.
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Despite the government’s efforts, tensions between communities continue to simmer.
On Friday, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh addressed the ongoing conflict, appealing for peace and reconciliation.
Singh dismissed allegations of political motives behind his recent apology for the ethnic unrest, stating it was a heartfelt gesture to those affected.
“My apology was to the innocent people who have suffered and lost loved ones, not to those who incite violence or terror,” Singh clarified.
He reiterated his appeal for communities to “forgive and forget” past grievances and work together to restore peace in the state.
Singh’s call for dialogue and reconciliation comes amid growing demands from tribal groups for justice and recognition of their rights, underscoring the challenges of resolving the deeply rooted conflict.
