Manipur: Kuki-Zo Council Declares Indefinite Shutdown Against Bus Service Resumption
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Synopsis
The Kuki-Zo Council in Manipur has announced an indefinite shutdown in Kuki-Zo tribal areas due to the resumption of bus services and a Meitei march. This decision comes after violent clashes led to injuries and fatalities among protesters, raising significant concerns about public safety and the use of force.
Key Takeaways
- Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) initiates an indefinite shutdown.
- Violent clashes reported during bus service resumption.
- Death and injuries among protesters raise safety concerns.
- Government urged to reconsider bus service decision.
- Support for shutdown from Kuki Students’ Organisation.
Imphal, March 8 (NationPress) The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the leading organization representing Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, has initiated an indefinite shutdown across all areas inhabited by Kuki-Zo tribes starting from midnight Saturday. This action is in response to the resumption of bus services and a planned march by the Meitei community towards the hill regions.
The KZC issued a statement indicating that the movement of buses from Imphal to tribal-majority districts has resulted in violent clashes at multiple locations between the security forces and demonstrators.
This troubling situation has led to the tragic death of Lalgun Singsit and left many women injured during the protests.
“At least one person has been confirmed dead due to gunfire from security forces, and two others are in critical care, raising serious concerns regarding the use of force. Additionally, over 50 women have sustained severe injuries, underscoring the excessive measures taken by security personnel, which have only strengthened the protesters' determination,” stated the KZC.
Furthermore, at least two state transport buses were attacked in the tribal-dominated areas of Kangpokpi and another location in Manipur following the resumption of inter-district bus services from Imphal to hill districts after over 20 months, according to officials.
A police spokesperson in Imphal noted that even though the buses were escorted by the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), members of tribal organizations targeted the buses, including one bound for Senapati district in Kangpokpi.
As instructed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Manipur government announced the resumption of bus services between Imphal and four other districts—Senapati, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur—starting Saturday. In contrast, a prominent Meitei civil society group, the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), revealed plans on March 6 to conduct a peace march from Imphal to the Naga-majority Senapati district on March 8.
This peace march was set to pass through the hilly Kangpokpi district, which is home to the Kuki-Zo community. FOCS leaders encouraged Kuki organizations to participate in the rally rather than oppose it.
The KZC has expressed strong disapproval of the government's decision to resume bus services, asserting that the government was fully aware of the potential for violence resulting from this decision, as stated in a release signed by KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary (administration) Rev. V.L. Nghakthang.
The statement emphasized that while the quest for peace is commendable, it cannot be achieved through force that targets a specific community.
Thus, it is essential for the central government to address the root issues to avert further unrest and ensure public safety, the statement concluded, urging the government to rethink its approach to prevent escalating tensions and violent conflicts.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation has also backed the indefinite shutdown called by the KZC.
