Transport policies in state Kuki-Zo groups threaten acute shutdown

Imphal: The Kuki-Zo community in Manipur has issued a stern warning to the state government, threatening to escalate their protest into an indefinite shutdown if recent “insensitive” transport policies are not immediately rescinded.

The 48-hour total shutdown, organized by civil society organizations in Kangpokpi District, began at midnight on December 3 and has brought the region to a standstill.

Shops and markets remained closed throughout the district, severely disrupting daily life. However, essential services such as schools and vehicular movement were exempted from the shutdown’s restrictions.

The protest was triggered by a public appeal from the Manipur Government urging the resumption of public transport services along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati and Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur routes. In response, hundreds of Kuki-Zo women gathered at Gamgiphai, a strategically located village on the Kangpokpi-Imphal West border, to prevent the enforcement of the government’s directive.

Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), described the transport policy as “partisan and baseless,” claiming it undermines the community’s movement for separate administration. “This directive serves no purpose other than to project a distorted narrative against the Kuki-Zo people,” Kipgen stated, accusing the government of vilification and attempting to derail their struggle.

Kipgen further criticized the chief minister for repeatedly imposing divisive measures, emphasizing that the Kuki-Zo community would resist any coercion. “We categorically reject orders from Imphal and will continue our democratic protests until this unjust directive is withdrawn,” he added.

In a separate statement, the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills condemned the government’s plan to deploy Manipur State Transport (MST) buses in conflict-affected areas. They termed the move “reckless and insensitive,” warning that it could exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region. The Kuki Inpi called on the state government to explore alternative routes for MST operations and avoid escalating the crisis.

Proposed alternative routes include:
– Moirang-Imphal-Sekmai
– Gamgiphai-Kangpokpi-Tamenglong
– Gamgiphai-Kangpokpi-Mao
– Lamka-Saungdoh-Lamka
– Kakching-Imphal-Moirang
– Pallen-Moreh-Pallen

The Kuki Inpi urged the government to prioritize resolving the political demands of the Kuki-Zo community over enforcing transport services in conflict zones. “Deploying buses under heavy security without addressing the root causes of the unrest is counterproductive and risks lives,” the organization warned.