Synopsis
On March 9, normal life in Manipur's Kuki-Zo regions was severely disrupted due to an indefinite shutdown initiated by the Kuki-Zo Council to protest the resumption of bus services between Imphal and hill districts. The shutdown has led to clashes and significant unrest in the affected areas.Key Takeaways
- Indefinite shutdown in Kuki-Zo areas of Manipur.
- Kuki-Zo Council protests bus service resumption.
- Severe disruptions reported in Kangpokpi and other districts.
- Clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in injuries and fatalities.
- Security forces deployed to maintain order amidst unrest.
Imphal, March 9 (NationPress) Life has been significantly disrupted in the Kuki-Zo regions of Manipur as of Sunday, stemming from an indefinite shutdown initiated by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the primary governing body of the tribal communities. This shutdown is a protest against the recommencement of bus services between the state capital Imphal and the hilly districts.
Ginza Vualzong, the spokesperson for the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) — part of the KZC — asserted that the shutdown is entirely effective and successful in the Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, and Pherzawl districts.
However, local police reported that the shutdown has severely impacted everyday life in Kangpokpi district, while other Kuki-Zo-majority districts faced partial disruptions.
KZC activists and supporters have erected blockades on key highways, leading to the closure of shops, markets, and business venues in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and additional districts.
In their statement, the KZC indicated that clashes arose during the bus movements from Imphal to tribal regions on Saturday, resulting in violent confrontations between security personnel escorting the buses and the demonstrators.
According to police in Imphal, a large deployment of security forces, including both central and state units, has been stationed on Sunday in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl, and Jiribam districts.
Senior officials are overseeing the situation, confirming that no serious incidents have been reported from any of the affected districts.
On Saturday, at least 43 individuals, including 27 security personnel, sustained injuries, and one protester lost their life during the clashes in Kangpokpi and other regions as Kuki-Zo tribal groups protested against the bus service resumption.
A senior police representative stated that in accordance with the state government's directive, the Manipur State Transport Corporation resumed bus services on Saturday under security protection to ease public inconvenience and to initiate the restoration of normalcy in the region.
Buses from MSTC and other vehicles carrying LPG gas and oil tankers navigated the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur and Churachandpur-Bishnupur-Imphal routes without interference. However, significant unrest arose when the MSTC bus traveled along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route, where a large crowd began to throw stones at the bus in Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi.
Security forces deployed tear gas and exercised minimal force to disperse the violent crowd. Moreover, roadblocks were established at various locations along the National Highway, with a considerable number of protesters, including women and children, attempting to hinder the bus movement and the security forces by obstructing the roads with trees, large stones, and burning tires. There were also reports of gunfire directed at security personnel from the protesters, prompting a response from the forces. Due to extensive stone-throwing, the use of slingshots, and random gunfire from armed individuals among the protestors, 27 security personnel were injured, with two in critical condition.
The security forces displayed remarkable restraint while managing the unruly mob, utilizing minimal force to counteract the anti-social elements, including armed assailants, according to official sources.
During the conflict, 16 protesters were reported injured, and one succumbed to their injuries. Additionally, two vehicles belonging to security forces were set ablaze by protesters on Saturday, as reported.
