Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) continued its indefinite shutdown of National Highways 102 and 37 on Monday, disrupting transportation across several Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur for a second consecutive day. The protest stems from ongoing search and area domination operations conducted by security forces, which Kuki civil society groups have criticised as biased and discriminatory.
The shutdown followed an incident in Kangpokpi district where armed militants reportedly opened fire on security personnel from elevated positions during a search operation in the Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul village areas.
In response, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Khunou area of Lailon Vaiphei, surrounding locations suspected of harbouring militants. Authorities reportedly called on around 30 armed individuals to surrender. Although no arrests were made during the operation, additional security reinforcements were deployed to strengthen the ongoing exercise.
Objecting to the security measures, CoTU announced an emergency closure of the two key highways from June 21 until further notice. Kuki civil society organisations in Kangpokpi alleged that central security forces were disproportionately targeting Kuki-Zo villages and village volunteers instead of maintaining neutrality amid tensions involving neighbouring communities.
The shutdown has led to the closure of shops, commercial establishments, educational institutions, banks and both government and private offices in affected areas. However, essential services, including medical personnel, ambulances, media organisations, electricity and water supply services, have been exempted.
CoTU has called on the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene and ensure impartial security operations in the region. The organisation has also demanded an independent investigation into recent killings of villagers and religious leaders, enhanced protection for vulnerable settlements, and accountability for what it describes as biased conduct by certain security personnel.
The latest protest has further heightened tensions in the region, coming just days after the Kuki Inpi Manipur withdrew an earlier highway blockade on June 16 to prevent shortages of essential commodities.