Imphal: Security forces fired tear gas and smoke bombs to break up a Kuki-Zo protest in Manipur on June 30. Members of the Committee on Tribal Unity marched toward the Gamgiphai buffer zone to demand the restoration of essential supply lines on National Highway 2. Troops stopped the crowd from reaching Kanglatongbi, where the group claims blockades are choking off food and medical supplies.
Protesters sat on the road after the initial standoff, forcing a temporary halt to traffic. Many claim these persistent highway restrictions have triggered price hikes and severe shortages for Kuki-Zo residents. CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen said the organization was seeking the restoration of the free movement of essential commodities and urged the authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest.
Kipgen argued that the district administration and police have ignored repeated pleas for help. The group wants the government to clear checkpoints that have disrupted transport along the highway. Security personnel remain on high alert in the area to manage the tension. Neither the state government nor police issued a statement following the march.
Comments