Fresh violence in Manipur: One protester killed, Kuki groups call for shutdown

The Kuki agitators and security forces in different parts of the region fought each other on Saturday causing the death of one demonstrator along with injuries to over 40 others at Kangpokpi district in Manipur. The demonstration between police and Kuki activists started after officers used tear gas to stop protesters who resisted Union home minister Amit Shah's order to eliminate state borders.

Kuki Zo Council 

The Kuki Zo Council initiated widespread shutdowns over Kuki regions starting from Saturday night according to an official statement. The central government needs to solve the base causes to stop new unrest and secure public protection. According to the Kuki Zo Council the government should reevaluate its position for preventing the rise of tension which may trigger violent confrontations. 

Multiple injuries during Gamgiphai, Motbung and Keithelmanbi protests

Officials of the police department confirmed Lalgouthang Singsit received gunshot wounds leading to his death during transport to hospital. Worse circumstances unfolded when protesters firebombed private cars and attempted to halt state transport vehicle traffic from Imphal to Senapati. The police reported that at least 16 individuals suffered multiple injuries during Gamgiphai, Motbung and Keithelmanbi protests which led them to receive medical attention at the nearby public health centre. Unofficial sources indicate that more than 23 civilians were hurt during the incidents. The security personnel suffered injuries during their confrontations with protesting groups as per reports from the Manipur Police. The police declared security forces reacted after agitators started firing at them. The protest by exercising minimal force to protect themselves from armed miscreants among the protesters. The statement revealed that sixteen protestors sustained injuries and one of them died as a result of the fight.

How did the clashes begin?

Security forces used tear gas and minimum force to disperse the crowd after a mob approached the state transport bus at Gamgiphai while it operated along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route. Women along with children and numerous protesters erected barricades across multiple locations by cutting down trees and placing rocks on roads to prevent both transport bus and security personnel from moving forward. The agitators staged multiple roadblocks against National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) as they set tires ablaze to delay government vehicle traffic. The protest group blocked the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS) from marching for peace when FOCS attempted to do so as a Meitei organization. Security forces blocked the march of citizens at Sekmai point since the movement intended to go beyond the Kangpokpi district.

Amit Shah's instructions

The official explained their actions by referring to received directions. Security forces obtained instructions regarding stopping all march progress. Since the beginning the government has arranged state buses to provide transportation for those who desire movement. The FOCS lodged an objection regarding Amit Shah's instructions by stating they maintained their position based on the approval for unrestricted state movement starting Saturday. A video distributed by Kuki-Zo villagers reported against free movement recognition by the central government and requested their own administration system.