Manipur: Kuki CSOs Enforce Emergency Highway Shutdown, Raise Concerns Over Security Operations

Kangpokpi, June 21: Hundreds of residents participated in protests across Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday as Kuki civil society organisations (CSOs) enforced an emergency shutdown along major national highways, citing concerns over recent security operations in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.

The shutdown witnessed widespread participation across Kangpokpi, Saparmeina, Gamgiphai and several other Kuki-Zo dominated regions. Vehicular movement along National Highway-2 (NH-2) was significantly affected, while markets, business establishments and private institutions remained closed in response to the call.

Volunteers were deployed at key locations to enforce the shutdown, resulting in near-complete compliance in several areas. Roads appeared largely deserted as commercial activities came to a standstill throughout the day.

The protest was organised amid growing dissatisfaction among Kuki organisations regarding recent security operations conducted in parts of Manipur’s hill districts. Community groups alleged that security actions have disproportionately focused on Kuki villages and local village defence volunteers.

Speaking to the media during the shutdown, Kuki CSOs Kangpokpi spokesperson Janghaolun Haokip stated that the emergency protest was a collective decision taken by major Kuki civil society organisations in response to what they described as selective security operations.

According to Haokip, repeated appeals from community representatives had not resulted in changes to the operational approach. He further stated that local village volunteers had assumed responsibility for safeguarding vulnerable settlements due to concerns about security in certain areas.

He maintained that community volunteers would continue to protect villages as long as residents perceived threats to their safety and cautioned against actions that could further heighten tensions in the region.

Haokip also appealed to the public to avoid travelling through affected highway stretches during the shutdown period to prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced an emergency highway bandh and shutdown along NH-2 and National Highway-37 (NH-37), expressing concern over what it described as partial and selective security operations in the Leimakhong–Kangchup region and alleging unequal protection for Kuki-Zo civilians.

In a statement, CoTU said perceptions of bias in security operations were undermining public confidence in institutions responsible for maintaining law and order. The organisation argued that all communities must receive equal protection under the law, particularly during periods of heightened tension.

Referring to recent incidents of violence and civilian casualties, CoTU described the situation as deeply concerning and called for a transparent investigation into reported killings, attacks on villages, property destruction and displacement of residents.

The organisation urged the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure impartial, professional and accountable security operations. Among its key demands were enhanced protection for vulnerable villages, an independent inquiry into recent incidents, measures to prevent further displacement, and accountability for any alleged lapses in security deployment.

As part of the agitation, CoTU announced an indefinite shutdown along NH-2 and NH-37 beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, stating that the protest would continue until further notice. However, the organisation clarified that ambulances, medical emergencies, essential services and humanitarian relief operations would remain exempt from the restrictions.

The developments have added to the challenges facing Manipur as authorities continue efforts to maintain peace and stability amid ongoing security concerns in several parts of the state.