Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Security forces fired tear gas and smoke bombs on Tuesday to stop a Kuki-Zo protest march in Manipur. Hundreds gathered near Taloulong to push toward the Kanglatongbi area. The Committee on Tribal Unity organized the demonstration to open National Highway 2. This route connects Imphal to Dimapur and serves as a primary artery for trade.
Protesters sat on the tarmac to block traffic. They demanded immediate access for food and medicine. The group claims frequent obstructions at checkpoints have fueled shortages and drove up prices in their communities. Previous requests to the local police and central forces for help went nowhere.
CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen described the ongoing hardship as unsustainable. "We are seeking nothing but the restoration of free movement of essential commodities and urge the authorities to resolve this at the earliest," Kipgen said. He asked security agencies to remain neutral while managing the buffer zone.
The state government kept quiet on Tuesday. No official response followed the confrontation. Armed personnel remain stationed along the route to hold the line. Tensions continue to simmer in the Kangpokpi district.
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