Imphal: Hundreds of Kuki-Zo demonstrators occupied Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district on June 30. They refuse to move. The group demands the state clear National Highway-2 to allow food and medical supplies into their neighborhoods. Protesters claim long-running blockades at locations like Namduilong-Kanglatongbi choked off their access to basic necessities.
Marchers attempted to push past a buffer zone earlier in the day. Security forces met them with a firm wall. A brief face-off followed, leaving several protesters hurt. Medics rushed the injured to local hospitals. Tensions only cooled after the CRPF and district officials sat down with community leaders to talk.
Despite the talks, the blockade remains. Only ambulances, emergency crews, and security convoys get a pass. Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills president Thangminlen Kipgen says the government broke its word after a previous shutdown was lifted. He insists his people did not cause the supply chain collapse. "We have decided to continue this protest until the government ensures the reopening of the highway at Namduilong-Kanglatongbi and other affected locations," Kipgen said.
The sit-in stays put. Protesters wait for the state to act. They want the road open now.
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