IT News
Imphal, March 13:
The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) has strongly condemned the ongoing indefinite shutdown imposed by Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur’s hill districts and has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to lift it. The NPO warned of serious consequences if the demand is not met within the given timeframe.
The shutdown, called by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), was imposed to protest the resumption of bus services between Imphal and the tribal districts and police action in the tribal areas on March 8. The violent confrontation between police and protesters that day left 43 people injured, including 27 security personnel, and resulted in the death of a protester in Kangpokpi.
With the shutdown entering its fifth consecutive day, daily life has been severely affected, causing disruptions in livelihoods, transportation, and essential services. The NPO has urged the government to take immediate action to restore normalcy and warned that the Naga community will take its own course of action if no action is taken.
While the shutdown is mainly affecting Kuki-Zo dominated districts like Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, and Pherzawl, it has also impacted transportation on NH-37 and NH-2, which are vital for the Naga community. NH-37, also known as the Jiribam-Imphal Highway, passes through Naga areas like Tamenglong and Noney and has been blocked by the Kuki Students’ Organisation – Jiribam & Tamenglong (KSO J&T), a move opposed by the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM). NH-2, which connects Dimapur to Imphal through Kuki areas, has also been subjected to frequent blockades since the ethnic violence began in May 2023.
The blockade has resulted in over 500 trucks being stranded, including 200 on NH-37, carrying essential goods like oil and LPG, and more than 300 trucks stuck on NH-2 between Hengbung and Tumuyon Khullen in Senapati district.
