With food and fuel supplies running low in Imphal, the ongoing blockade of NH-2 intensifies tensions between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
BY Navin Upadhyay
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has told the Union Home Ministry (MHA) that the transfer of Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police (SP) Manoj Prabhakar is the key step needed to resolve the ongoing deadlock over the blockade of National Highway-2 (NH-2). During a high-level meeting in Churachandpur on Tuesday evening, representatives of the KZC reiterated that they would not lift the indefinite blockade until their demand was met.
The blockade, which has left hundreds of buses and trucks stranded in Senapati district, has severely disrupted the supply of food, fuel, and medical essentials to Imphal and other areas. The situation escalated following the March 8 clashes, when the death of a Kuki youth in firing by security forces led the Committee of Tribal Unity (COTU) to halt all vehicular movement on the highway.
The discussions marked the first direct engagement between the Kuki-Zo leadership and the central government since the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. The Home Ministry delegation, led by Advisor (Northeast) AK Mishra, met with KZC representatives on Tuesday in an effort to restore normalcy in the region.
Despite previous security arrangements allowing d movement of commercial vehicles on NH-2, the March 8 incident reignited tensions, prompting COTU to impose a complete blockade. Even with a heavy security presence along key points of the highway, Kuki-Zo protesters have remained firm, insisting that the blockade will not be lifted until their grievances are addressed.
However, the KZC and COTU have lifted blockade for essential supplies, which although, they claim, the administration is yet to fulfill commitment to ensure essential supplies reaching the hill districts..
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Demands and Allegations
Justifying their demand for the removal of Kangpokpi SP Manoj Prabhakar. KZC leaders accused him of issuing excessive force orders against Kuki-Zo protesters, including the use of live ammunition instead of non-lethal measures such as rubber bullets or tear gas. “It seems as if he harbors a personal grudge against the Kuki-Zo community and is trying to settle scores,” a Kuki-Zo observer claimed.
Lalgouthang Singsit,who was unarmed,is seen in a recent video running to help an injured guy.
The very forces that were supposed to protect him shot him dead.
This video serves as more than simply proof; it serves as a chilling reminder of the injustice that claimed… pic.twitter.com/8ytFRXwzZC
— 𝓝𝓱 𝓒𝓲𝓷𝓰 (@NhCing) March 11, 2025
The Kuki-zo leaders pointed out to clashes on January 3, when a Kuki-Zo mob gheraoed the SP’s office in retaliation for an earlier assault on Kuki-Zo women in Saibol. More than two dozen women were injured in that clash with security forces on December 26, 2024 with one woman reportedly losing her eyesight. The KZC leaders emphasized that the SP’s transfer was crucial to pacifying the community before further peace talks could progress.
During the meeting, the Home Ministry delegation reportedly assured KZC representatives that their demands would be conveyed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Ajay Bhalla for consideration.
Call for a Cessation of Hostilities
Beyond the demand for the SP’s transfer, the KZC also called for a cessation of hostilities agreement between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, mediated by the Home Ministry. The agreement, they stated, should ensure that neither side resorts to violence or provocation. “After what happened on May 3, 2023, and the massacre of our people, security is our foremost concern,” a KZC official said. “We are ready for peace, but now the ball is in the court of the Home Ministry and the Meiteis.”
Additionally, the KZC demanded the restoration of checkpoints along NH-2, which were dismantled by security forces. The council insisted that these checkpoints be manned by either Kuki-Zo policemen or the Assam Rifles to ensure safe passage for their community. “We want these checkpoints to be restored to maintain security and fairness. We are willing to allow buses escorted by neutral forces, but private vehicles cannot be permitted for security reasons,” a KZC leader stated.
He also pointed out that 2 Free movement of passengers vehicles would be confined to NH2, and only post establishment of Cessation of hostilities between KZC and Meitei CSO counterpart, under MHA..
No Immediate Breakthrough
While the talks have set the stage for further negotiations, no immediate breakthrough has been achieved. The KZC has made it clear that they will not back down from their core demands, and the MHA is expected to respond in the coming days. Meanwhile, tensions on the ground remain high as the blockade continues, deepening concerns over worsening shortages and the potential for further unrest in the region.
As negotiations continue, the situation on the ground remains tense, with no immediate breakthrough in sight. The MHA is expected to respond to the KZC’s demands in the coming days.
Summary of Kuki-Zo Council’s (KZC) Demands
- Transfer of Kangpokpi SP Manoj Prabhakar
- KZC demands the immediate removal of Superintendent of Police Manoj Prabhakar, accusing him of issuing excessive force orders against Kuki-Zo protesters.
- Lifting of NH-2 Blockade Only After SP’s Transfer
- The ongoing blockade on National Highway-2 (NH-2), which has stranded hundreds of trucks and buses in Senapati district, will not be lifted until the SP is transferred.
- Protesters refuse to allow movement until their grievance is addressed.
- Cessation of Hostilities Agreement
- KZC demands an agreement mediated by the Home Ministry between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
- The agreement should ensure that neither side resorts to violence, force, or provocation.
- Restoration of Kuki-Zo Checkpoints Along NH-2
- KZC insists that previously dismantled Kuki-Zo-manned checkpoints and bunkers along NH-2 be restored.
- These should be manned by Kuki-Zo policemen or Assam Rifles to ensure safe passage for their community.
- Regulated Movement on NH-2
- KZC is open to allowing public transport and commercial vehicles to operate on NH-2 with security escorts.
- However, they oppose the movement of private vehicles, citing security concerns.
