Synopsis
The indefinite shutdown in Manipur's tribal areas continues to disrupt normal life as protests against resumed bus services and police actions persist. No new incidents of violence have been reported, and the situation remains tense but stable.Key Takeaways
- Ongoing shutdown affects daily life in Kuki-Zo areas.
- No fresh violence reported after March 8 clashes.
- Protests organized by KZC and other tribal groups.
- Security forces deployed in affected districts.
- Discussions between tribal leaders and government officials ongoing.
Imphal, March 12 (NationPress) Daily life in the Kuki-Zo regions of Manipur remained disrupted for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday due to the indefinite shutdown initiated by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the leading body of the tribal communities. This action protests the resumption of bus services between the state capital, Imphal, and the hill districts, alongside police activities in tribal areas on March 8.
A police source in Imphal indicated that conditions in the Kuki-Zo inhabited regions, particularly in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts, were tense yet stable on Wednesday, and there were no reports of violent incidents following the clashes with security forces on Saturday (March 8).
The indefinite shutdown was briefly lifted in Churachandpur town to allow residents to procure essential goods and attend to urgent matters.
Activists, supporters, and members of various tribal organizations, including a significant number of women, held protests across different regions of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and beyond.
The official stated that a considerable contingent of security personnel, consisting of the Army, Central, and state forces, has been deployed in Kuki-Zo tribal areas of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl, and the mixed-population Jiribam district, which borders southern Assam.
Senior police officials are overseeing the situation and confirmed that no adverse events were reported from any of the affected districts.
A tribal leader mentioned that several inconclusive discussions have taken place between Kuki-Zo tribal organization leaders and government officials since Monday at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Churachandpur.
During these discussions, representatives from the KZC, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), and various other organizations addressed multiple concerns.
Subjects included the March 8 events, calls for establishing a Union Territory with an Assembly in tribal regions, cessation of hostilities, and various district-specific matters, as stated by the leader.
“Our leaders remained steadfast in their position, as did the government. Consequently, no definitive resolutions were reached. The meeting held yesterday (Tuesday) was postponed for future discussions.”
On March 8, at least 43 individuals, including 27 security personnel, sustained injuries, and a protester lost their life during clashes in Kangpokpi and several other districts. This unrest was part of the Kuki-Zo tribal organizations’ protests against the resumption of bus services between Imphal and the hill regions, aimed at easing public inconvenience and restoring normalcy in the state.
The COTU, part of the KZC, has been calling for the removal of the Superintendent of Police of Kangpokpi, the cancellation of bus services, and a governmental apology regarding the death of Lalgouthang Singsit, in accordance with customary law.
