Indefinite Shutdown in Manipur’s Kuki-Dominated Hills After Clashes with Security Forces

Tensions in Manipur have escalated following violent clashes between Kuki protesters and security forces, resulting in the death of a protester and injuries to more than 20 individuals. In response, an indefinite shutdown has been declared in the Kuki-majority regions of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, and other tribal-dominated areas.

The unrest comes less than a month after President's Rule was imposed in the state on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amidst ongoing political instability. The shutdown marks a significant escalation in the tensions that have gripped the state since May 2023.

Protesters Resist Government’s Efforts to Restore Normalcy

The Union Home Ministry issued a directive aiming to restore normalcy in the state, which had been disrupted since violent clashes on May 3, 2023. The violence left more than 250 people dead and displaced over 70,000, primarily from the Kuki and Meitei communities. A buffer zone manned by security forces has since divided the Kuki-majority hills and the valley. The Home Ministry has decided to remove the buffer zones and restore free vehicular movement in the state. 

The Home Ministry had instructed security forces to facilitate free vehicular movement between the valley and the hills starting March 8. However, as buses from Imphal headed towards Kangpokpi on Saturday, escorted and guarded by security forces, they were met with fierce resistance from protesters, resulting in clashes near the village of Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district. In an attempt to disperse the crowd, police used tear gas and force, but the violence escalated, leading to the death of a Kuki protester.

Shutdown Called by Kuki-Zo Council and ITLF

In the aftermath, the Kuki-Zo Council and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Front (ITLF), both of which advocate for a separate administration for tribal-majority areas in Manipur, called for the indefinite shutdown. The protest groups have been vocal about their demand for a separate administrative structure, either as a Union Territory or under some form of autonomous governance.

The shutdown has been supported by a broad coalition of tribal leaders and organisations, all of which have expressed growing “frustration over the central government's lack of response to their demands”.

Centre Rejects Demand for Separate Administration

In a security review meeting held on March 1, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made it clear that the Centre would not entertain the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a separate administration. Shah emphasised that the demand for Union Territory status for districts with a majority tribal population was "non-negotiable" and would not be accepted.

Shah conveyed this message to Manipur's Governor, Ajay Bhalla, and other top officials during the meeting. According to sources, the Home Minister reiterated that any move toward a separate administration for the tribal regions would be firmly rejected by the central government, stressing the need to maintain the territorial integrity of the state.