Hundreds of Kuki residents staged protests across Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday as civil society organisations enforced an emergency shutdown along key national highways, alleging that recent security operations in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas were selective and disproportionately targeted their communities.
The shutdown, called by Kuki civil society organisations (CSOs) in Kangpokpi, received widespread support across Kangpokpi, Saparmeina, Gamgiphai and other Kuki-Zo dominated areas. Roads remained largely deserted, commercial establishments stayed closed and vehicular movement along National Highway-2 (NH-2) was severely affected.
Volunteers were stationed at several strategic locations to enforce the shutdown, which witnessed near-total compliance in many areas. Markets, private institutions and business establishments remained closed following the call.
The protest was organised amid growing resentment over recent security operations in Manipur’s hill districts. Kuki organisations alleged that security actions were largely focused on Kuki villages and local village defence volunteers.
Speaking to reporters in Kangpokpi, Kuki CSOs Kangpokpi spokesperson Janghaolun Haokip said the emergency highway shutdown was a collective decision taken by major Kuki civil society groups in response to what they termed “selective security operations” by central security forces.
Haokip alleged that despite repeated appeals from community representatives, security operations continued to focus on Kuki villages and village volunteers. He said local volunteers had taken responsibility for protecting villages due to concerns over inadequate security arrangements in vulnerable areas.
He added that community volunteers would continue their role as long as residents continued to feel threatened and cautioned against measures that could further increase tensions in the region.
Haokip also appealed to people to avoid travelling through affected highway stretches during the shutdown to prevent any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced an emergency bandh along National Highway-2 and National Highway-37, expressing concern over what it described as partial security operations in the Leimakhong–Kangchup area and alleging unequal protection for Kuki-Zo civilians.
In a statement, CoTU said alleged bias in security actions was affecting public confidence in law enforcement institutions, particularly amid ongoing tensions involving Kuki and Kacha Naga communities.
The organisation said security agencies and the government have a responsibility to provide equal protection to all citizens and warned that any perceived imbalance could worsen the fragile situation.
Referring to the recent killings of three Christian pastors and twelve Kuki villagers, CoTU said the incidents had caused widespread fear and concern among Kuki communities. It also cited allegations of attacks on villages, destruction of property and displacement of civilians, demanding a transparent investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Calling the security situation “rapidly deteriorating”, CoTU urged the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure impartial and professional conduct of security operations.
The organisation demanded stronger protection for vulnerable villages, an independent probe into the killings, steps to prevent further violence and displacement, and accountability for any alleged security failures.
CoTU announced that the shutdown along NH-2 and NH-37 would continue indefinitely from Sunday evening, while exempting essential services, ambulances, medical emergencies and humanitarian relief operations.
