Protests erupted across Kangpokpi as the Kuki-Zo community decried road closures along the vital Imphal-Dimapur highway. Organized by CoTU, the demonstrations accused the Army of bias and unjust actions that disrupted daily life, demanding the removal of restrictions and highlighting their impact on essential supplies and community mobility
The Leimakhong army camp, where a Meitei supervisor disappeared last week, has become the center of widespread protests and shutdowns in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. The restrictions imposed by the Army have caused disruptions along the Imphal-Dimapur highway, a vital lifeline connecting Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.
On Saturday, Kangpokpi witnessed a complete shutdown and mass protests organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU). The 12-hour bandh left National Highway 2 deserted, paralyzing life across the district. While CoTU supported the search efforts for the missing MES worker, they strongly condemned the road restrictions as excessive, citing significant public hardships.
Enforcement and Unrest Across Key Locations
Women and youth volunteers enforced the shutdown at prominent points like Kangpokpi, Keithelmanbi, and Gamgiphai, with heavy security deployments ensuring peace. Simultaneously, protests erupted in Saikul, Kangchup, and the Twilang Region, with demonstrators holding banners reading, “We Demand Our Lifeline Back” and “We Want Justice.”
The Importance of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi
Churachandpur (CCpur), located 65 kilometers south of Imphal, serves as the administrative headquarters of the Churachandpur district. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the region is a cultural hub for ethnic communities like the Zomi, Kuki, Hmar, and Paite.
Kangpokpi, situated 45 kilometers north of Imphal, is the district headquarters of Kangpokpi, carved out of Senapati district in 2016. Known for its scenic landscapes and cultural diversity, the town lies along National Highway 2, a crucial transit route for trade and communication between regions. The current closure at Leimakhong has disrupted essential supplies, commuting, and trade activities, affecting daily life in the region.
CoTU’s Strong Stance Against Restrictions
CoTU leaders addressed gatherings at multiple protest sites, emphasizing the gravity of the issue and warning of escalated agitation if their grievances are not addressed. Slamming the Army’s actions, CoTU Spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen termed the restrictions a direct attack on the Kuki-Zo community’s lifeline.
Kipgen alleged that the road connecting Churachandpur and Sadar Hills, built by the local community without government aid, is now being unjustly restricted. He further accused the Army of bias, aligning with what he called the Meitei community’s ethnocentric narrative.
“The Kuki-Zo people have never obstructed vehicles traveling to Imphal. Why is our road being targeted? We cannot even travel to Imphal safely, yet the only alternative route to Churachandpur is being blocked,” Kipgen stated, calling for an immediate resolution to the crisis.
Tensions Persist
As protests intensify, CoTU remains resolute in its demands, vowing to escalate their agitation unless the restrictions are lifted promptly. The community’s growing frustration underscores the urgent need for a balanced resolution to prevent further disruptions and maintain peace in the region.
