Kuki-Zo shutdown paralyzes Kuki dominated areas in Manipur

Imphal: Indefinite total shutdown imposed in Kuki-dominated areas by Kuki-Zo Council against Union Home minister Amit Shah’s directive for free movement along all roads in Manipur and the killing of a protestor has paralyzed normal life in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and other districts in Manipur.

The shutdown was imposed from the midnight on Saturday.

Kuki organizations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, Kuki Students’ Organisation, Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee, Kuki Inpi, Committee on Tribal Unity, and Hill Tribal Council supported the shutdown.

President’s Rule was imposed in the 21 months strife-torn state, following the resignation of  chief minister N. Biren Singh on March 9. The Union government placed the state under Suspended Animation since March 14.

Amit Shah in New Delhi on March 1 directed to initiate free movement along all roads in Manipur, including the two national highways in the state starting on March 8.

Manipur government, under tight security, officially launched Manipur State Transport bus and helicopter services from on to facilitate safe and reliable public transportation.

However, Kuki bodies opposed Shah’s directive, stating that there would be “no free movement” in Kuki-dominated areas until their eight-point demands, specially for a “separate administration” for Kuki in the form of a Union Territory, were fulfilled.

During the total shutdown, protestors blocked the Imphal-Dimapur national highway with stones, burnt tires and wooden logs. Similar protests were reported in Churachandpur district along the Tiddim Road (National Highway 150), which connects Imphal to Mizoram via Churachandpur.

Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader and former chief minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi, while speaking at the reception ceremony of Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on Sunday, told reporters that the people of Manipur welcome the central government’s initiative for free movement on all roads in the state. “However, it is unfortunate that a protestor lost his life due to security forces’ action. The Central government’s step was premature. They should have conducted a step-by-step process by calling a joint meeting of both communities.”

Ibobi urged the Kuki community to withdraw the shutdown, stating that Imposing a total shutdown is not a good decision. “I appeal to the Kuki community to reconsider and call it off.”

MP Bimol Akoijam, responding to reporters said, “Yesterday’s ‘free movement’ initiative by the Union government was not a failure; it was all about timing. I believe it is a step forward towards a peaceful Manipur.”

“The Union government’s decision was the right one, but blocking highways by protestors violates Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.”

Meanwhile, police confirmed that indiscriminate firing of automatic firearms, followed by two rounds of pumpi fire (improvised lathod gun) by suspected Kuki militants, erupted in Torbung and Govindpur under Phougakchao Police station in Bishnupur, near the Churachandpur border, around 11:55 pm on Saturday.

“The Central Armed Police Force deployed in the area retaliated against the incoming fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire for about 15 minutes. However, no casualties were reported,” said a police source.