Tensions in Kangpokpi district of Manipur remained high but peaceful on Sunday morning after violent clashes erupted between Kuki-Zo protesters and security forces. An indefinite shutdown, called by the Kuki-Zo groups in protest against the “security forces crackdown,” has severely affected daily life in areas mainly populated by the community.
Unrest erupted on Saturday following protests triggered by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive permitting free movement across Manipur. Kuki demons
trators, opposing the order, clashed with police after security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The violence led to the death of one protester and left more than 40 others injured, including several women and police officers.
Kuki protesters put up strong resistance, using catapults and blocking roads with boulders, burning tires, and felling trees. During the unrest, a Manipur State Transport bus was attacked by a mob in Gamghiphai, leading security forces to deploy tear gas in response. The protests also disrupted a peace march organized by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), which was halted by authorities due to a lack of required permits.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) expressed strong backing for the indefinite shutdown, condemning the excessive use of force by security personnel during the protests. ITLF spokespersons affirmed their solidarity with the demonstrators and reiterated their opposition to the free movement order.
Manipur Police reported that 27 security personnel were injured, including two critically, after being pelted with stones and fired upon by protesters. In response, security forces exercised restraint, using minimal force to manage the violent demonstrations.
The unrest is linked to the ongoing ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which began in May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and thousands displaced. The state has been under President’s rule since February 2025 due to continued instability.
