Kangpokpi, Manipur – March 9, 2025
A 19-year-old man was killed, and 43 people were injured, including 27 security personnel, in violent clashes between Kuki-Zo protesters and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday. The violence erupted as protesters opposed the government’s enforcement of free movement of vehicles on National Highways, which have been blocked since ethnic clashes began on May 3, 2023.
Clashes Erupt Over Highway Movement
The violence broke out after the government attempted to reestablish vehicle movement on NH-2 and NH-37, which serve as critical supply routes for the state. Under heavy security cover, Manipur State Transport (MST) buses were sent to mark the reopening of highways. However, protesters blocked roads, threw stones, and allegedly fired at security forces, triggering a violent confrontation.
A police statement confirmed that security personnel suffered injuries due to stone pelting, the use of catapults, and gunfire from among the protesters. One officer narrowly escaped death when a bullet struck his rifle magazine, while another suffered an eye injury, and a third lost a tooth due to heavy stone-throwing.
As tensions escalated, security forces fired tear gas shells and shots in the air to disperse the crowd. Despite this, protesters torched a private vehicle, attempted to block roads with a charred bus, and continued attacking security personnel.
Protesters Condemn ‘Forced’ Movement of Vehicles
The Kuki-Zo protesters strongly opposed the government’s decision to enforce highway movement, arguing that it would only escalate tensions between ethnic groups. Many believe that forcing state-run buses to operate on these roads does not promote peace but instead risks further violence.
“We do not want to go to Meitei areas, and they do not want to come here. What is being achieved by this forced movement of vehicles?” questioned Vahboi Haokip, a medical professional tending to the injured.
Fatalities and Injuries Lead to Indefinite Shutdown
The deceased was identified as Lalgun Singsit, a resident of Keithelmanbi. Police have stated that the cause of death will be confirmed after a postmortem. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has condemned the government’s actions and declared an indefinite shutdown in protest.
According to KZC, over 50 women suffered serious injuries in the violence. Following the clashes, the Kangpokpi administration imposed a public curfew along the affected national highways.
Ethnic Tensions and a Fragile Peace
The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has claimed over 250 lives since May 2023, with clashes between the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in the hills and the Meitei people in the valley. National Highway-2 (connecting Dimapur, Nagaland, to Imphal) and NH-37 (connecting Silchar, Assam, to Imphal) have remained frequent flashpoints of conflict, as they are crucial supply routes.
In a March 1 security review meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah directed authorities to ensure the free movement of vehicles from March 8. However, the government’s decision has been met with strong opposition, with protesters accusing officials of ignoring the potential for violence.
As tensions remain high, the question now is whether the government will reassess its strategy or double down on enforcing highway movement—a decision that could shape the future of peace efforts in Manipur.