Following the discovery of a Meitei man hidden in a truck, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district took action to restrict Meitei movement along NH-102. This underscored ongoing concerns about infiltration and encroachment amid the state’s ethnic conflict.
BY PC Bureau
A day after a Meitei man was discovered hiding in sacks of potatoes in a derailed truck, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) initiated steps to restrict the movement of Meiteis through the Kuki-Zo dominated Kangpokpi district along National Highway-102.
This move underscored persistent concerns within the tribal communities regarding alleged “infiltration” and “encroachment” onto their lands – a key point of contention in the ongoing and deeply divisive ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Responding firmly to CoTU’s strengthened stance, state authorities maintained a strict vigil over Meitei movements in the area, aiming to prevent any further escalation of the already volatile situation.
In a parallel effort to assert territorial control and amplify their demand for political autonomy, members of the Kuki-Zo community staged a protest by reopening a crucial checkpoint at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi. The demonstrators, predominantly women, voiced their unwavering opposition through placards reading, “We will not allow any Meitei in Kukiland until the authority arranges a political solution at the earliest.” Their chants resonated with the core demands of the community, including “We want separate administration” and a clear message of “No trespassing by the Meiteis.”
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CoTU’s renewed vigilance was reportedly triggered by a recent incident where a Meitei man was discovered concealed within a goods truck involved in a road accident in Kangpokpi on April 11 near the Keithelmanbi Military Colony. This discovery heightened alarms within CoTU, which viewed such incidents as clandestine attempts to re-enter or infiltrate Kuki-Zo territories, particularly amidst their strong opposition to the government’s Free Movement policy.
In a statement following the accident, CoTU Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District expressed deep shock at the individual’s presence and announced the reopening of the Gamgiphai Checkpoint to resume rigorous vehicle inspections. The Committee recalled that women volunteers had previously been deployed at this checkpoint along National Highway-2 for security until it was recently dismantled by security forces.
Despite their heightened security concerns, CoTU commended the residents of Keithelmanbi Military Colony for their humanitarian response in rescuing the Meitei man, highlighting their adherence to traditional Kuki-Zo war ethics emphasizing the protection of innocents. The Committee recounted previous instances where innocent Meitei individuals were rescued and safely returned to their families.
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However, CoTU vehemently condemned what it perceived as a deliberate crossing into Kuki-Zo territory, especially given their firm opposition to the Free Movement policy. The Committee asserted that this act was alarming and suggested a continued attempt to breach the fragile security of Kuki-Zo areas.
Issuing a stern warni
BreakingNews #Manipur
Kukis rushed to save a meitei life. He was hidden in a truck that was supposed to carry potato. Sufferings of common meiteis are at its peak. We request HMOIndia to grant Union Territory to us ASAP to alleviate their pain. @KipsKuki pic.twitter.com/bt5ijW9tci— Rasush (@RasushAnkita) April 12, 2025
ng, CoTU stated that any recurrence of such “reckless acts of smuggling” would be met with decisive and forceful action, describing the recent incident as a deliberate provocation. The Committee also cautioned truck drivers, transport unions, and authorities against transporting individuals from conflicting communities through sensitive areas to prevent potential misunderstandings and dangerous flare-ups. They made it clear that full responsibility for future violations would lie with the truckers’ unions and involved authorities.
CoTU urgently called on concerned authorities to prevent such violations within Kuki-Zo territories, emphasizing that the Gamgiphai Checkpoint had become a “vital necessity” to prevent further border crossings and maintain security, especially given their opposition to the Free Movement policy.
Finally, CoTU appealed to the entire Kuki-Zo community to remain vigilant and united in safeguarding their territories and supporting security protocols to prevent escalations. As the impasse continued, Sunday’s developments underscored the deepening divide and the critical need for a negotiated resolution to Manipur’s protracted ethnic unrest.
