Manipur Eases: Kuki-Zo Council Opposes Home Ministry's 'Free Movement' Directive But Allows Vehicles On National Highways

The national highways passing through the hill districts of Manipur were reopened on Thursday (13 March) as the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) community ended its protest after the funeral of a protestor who lost his life in the violent confrontations on 8 March.

Commercial vehicles began to move again on both NH-2 and NH-37 on Thursday evening, The Hindu reported. However, the top body of the Kuki-Zo community asserted that it would continue to oppose the government’s decision to reopen all roads across Manipur.

“While the shutdown has been lifted, the Free Movement, as announced by the Home Ministry shall be vehemently opposed by the Kuki-Zo people, as it undermines and dilutes the justice process,” the KZC's statement was quoted by The Hindu.

Lalgouthang Singsit, a protestor from the Kuki-Zo community, lost his life on 8 March during a confrontation between the Kuki-Zo inhabitants of Kangpokpi district and central security forces. The clash was about the enforcement of a decision allowing unrestricted vehicle movement on national highways.

Following Singsit's death, Kuki-Zo protestors have impeded the passage of commercial vehicles for the last five days. If this blockade continues, it could disrupt the delivery of essential goods to the valley districts predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community.

The KZC underscored their dedication to the establishment of an independent administration for the State's hill districts. However, during a meeting with Kuki-Zo groups in Churachandpur on 11 March, visiting officials from the Central government restated their disagreement with such a proposal.

On Thursday, six Naga legislators had a meeting with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. They discussed the difficulties their community is experiencing due to the ongoing tension in Manipur, and advocated for the restoration of peace in the State. They also expressed their commitment to support any measures taken to bring back peace and normalcy.

In a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan, it was confirmed that the Governor had received assurances of full cooperation to restore peace. Confidence was also expressed that under the Governor's leadership, the State would undoubtedly regain its peace and normalcy.

The six Members of the Legislative Assembly included Awangbow Newmai, Khashim Vashum, Losii Dikho, Leishiyo Keishing, J Kumo Sha, and Janghemlung Panmei.