Protest against ‘economic blockade’ in Manipur escalates as Kuki-Zo groups try to enter ‘buffer zone’

Security forces use tear gas to disperse crowds as Kuki-Zo groups demand removal of blockade to let essential supplies enter Kangpokpi district.

Tension flared up in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district Tuesday after Kuki-Zo protesters staged a demonstration at the border between Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts, demanding the restoration of the supply of essential commodities along National Highway-2 into Kangpokpi.

This comes amid a month-and-a-half-long ‘economic blockade’ by Naga groups, blocking the entry of goods and supplies into Kuki-Zo areas, as tensions escalated between the two communities. Kangpokpi, a Kuki-Zo majority district, is the worst affected as both major routes through which goods enter the district have been blocked by Naga groups in Naga-majority Senapati district and the state capital, as reported earlier by The Indian Express.

On Tuesday, the protesters marched towards the ‘buffer zone’ — between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, which have largely been heavily manned by security forces through the course of the conflict between the two communities since May 2023 — beyond Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district, where they alleged that the goods were being blockaded.

Security forces deployed at the ‘buffer zone’ stopped the procession from advancing, leading to a brief face-off with the demonstrators. As tensions escalated, security personnel used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and prevent them from crossing the ‘buffer zone’.

Tuesday’s protest had been called by the Committee on Tribal Unity — a Kuki-Zo organisation in Kangpokpi -– after issuing a 48-hour “ultimatum” to the Centre and Manipur government on June 27 to restore the movement of goods on the highway. The group had said it would “undertake appropriate and pre-emptive democratic measures to safeguard the interests, rights and security of the general public” if the blockade wasn’t removed by Monday.

Highway blockades have been a recurring feature during the conflict and protests in Manipur, and have also been deployed on multiple occasions by the Kuki-Zo groups in Kangpokpi in the past. But with the conflict now turning into a three-way one — between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei, and Kuki-Zo and Naga communities — groups in Kangpokpi find themselves increasingly geographically isolated.

Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More

Tension flared up in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district Tuesday after Kuki-Zo protesters staged a demonstration at the border between Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts, demanding the restoration of the supply of essential commodities along National Highway-2 into Kangpokpi.

This comes amid a month-and-a-half-long ‘economic blockade’ by Naga groups, blocking the entry of goods and supplies into Kuki-Zo areas, as tensions escalated between the two communities. Kangpokpi, a Kuki-Zo majority district, is the worst affected as both major routes through which goods enter the district have been blocked by Naga groups in Naga-majority Senapati district and the state capital, as reported earlier by The Indian Express.

On Tuesday, the protesters marched towards the ‘buffer zone’ — between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, which have largely been heavily manned by security forces through the course of the conflict between the two communities since May 2023 — beyond Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district, where they alleged that the goods were being blockaded.

Security forces deployed at the ‘buffer zone’ stopped the procession from advancing, leading to a brief face-off with the demonstrators. As tensions escalated, security personnel used tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and prevent them from crossing the ‘buffer zone’.

Tuesday’s protest had been called by the Committee on Tribal Unity — a Kuki-Zo organisation in Kangpokpi -– after issuing a 48-hour “ultimatum” to the Centre and Manipur government on June 27 to restore the movement of goods on the highway. The group had said it would “undertake appropriate and pre-emptive democratic measures to safeguard the interests, rights and security of the general public” if the blockade wasn’t removed by Monday.

Highway blockades have been a recurring feature during the conflict and protests in Manipur, and have also been deployed on multiple occasions by the Kuki-Zo groups in Kangpokpi in the past. But with the conflict now turning into a three-way one — between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei, and Kuki-Zo and Naga communities — groups in Kangpokpi find themselves increasingly geographically isolated.