Imphal: The situation in violence-hit Kangpokpi district of Manipur remained tense but calm on Sunday morning as an indefinite shutdown called by Kuki-Zo groups against the "crackdown by security forces" disrupted normal life across all areas inhabited by the community.

A protester was killed, and over 40 others, including women and policemen, sustained injuries during clashes between Kuki demonstrators and security forces in various parts of Kangpokpi district on Saturday, officials said.

Clashes erupt over free movement directive

Demonstrations turned violent when security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters opposing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to allow free movement across the state.

Additional security forces have been deployed in Gamgiphai and other parts of the district along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur Road), with vehicular patrols being conducted to maintain law and order, a district official said.

Protesters clashed with security forces late into Saturday night, using catapults against law enforcers. The windshields of at least five security force vehicles were damaged, the official added.

Indigenous tribal leaders’ forum extends support to shutdown

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo body, extended its support to the indefinite shutdown called by the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) across all Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas in Manipur, protesting the security forces' crackdown on demonstrators opposing unrestricted movement.

In a statement, ITLF said, "Yesterday, the Government of India's decision to allow the movement of Meiteis through Kuki-Zo areas led to agitation and protest in Kangpokpi... the security forces used excessive force on the protesters."

Endorsing the shutdown, ITLF urged everyone to "adhere to the shutdown in solidarity."

"We respect everyone who came out to protest yesterday," the statement added.

Security forces injured amid violent protests

According to a statement by Manipur Police, 27 security personnel were injured when Kuki protesters pelted them with stones, barricaded roads with boulders, set tyres on fire, and felled trees.

"Amid the protests, there were incidents of firing from amongst the protesters towards the security forces, to which the security forces retaliated," the statement read.

"Due to heavy pelting of stones, use of catapults, and random firing by armed miscreants from amongst the protesters, 27 security forces personnel suffered injuries, including two critical injuries."

"The security forces showed tremendous restraint while trying to control the unruly and violent mob and used minimum force to control and counter the anti-social elements. During the skirmish, 16 protesters were reportedly injured, and one protester succumbed to injuries," the statement added.

Bus attack sparks protests

According to police, the violence began when a Manipur State Transport bus travelling along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route was attacked with stones by a mob at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district, prompting security forces to intervene with tear gas and minimal force.

The protest was also directed against a peace march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation. The procession, consisting of over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi district. Police stated that the procession was stopped as it lacked the requisite permission.

Home Minister’s directive sparks unrest

On March 1, Amit Shah directed security forces to ensure free movement of people on all routes in Manipur starting March 8, calling for strict action against those obstructing travel.

Unrestricted movement has been significantly affected since ethnic violence erupted between the Kuki and Meitei communities in May 2023, leading to over 250 deaths and thousands displaced.

The Centre imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, following Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation, which created political uncertainty. The Manipur Assembly, which was scheduled to run until 2027, was placed under suspended animation as per a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, on February 20, urged residents to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring no punitive action for those complying. The deadline was extended to March 6 following public requests for additional time.

PTI