Introduction
Manipur continues to face a prolonged period of unrest, marked by ethnic tensions, civil protests, and clashes with security forces. The long-standing conflict between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the Meitei community has escalated, resulting in violent encounters, displacement, and political demands for separate governance. This article provides a detailed and chronological understanding of the recent developments surrounding the situation in Manipur.
Death of a Protester and Movement of Buses from Imphal
It was during this same time period that a protester who was a member of the Kuki tribes in Manipur was killed as a consequence of a dispute that took place between members of the security force and others who were participating in the demonstration. As a result of the investigation, it was discovered that one of the individuals who was taking part in the event had been murdered.
During the time that the disputes were taking place, buses were being moved out of Imphal, which is the state capital, and into the other sections of the state. Imphal is the capital of the state. The state capital is located at Imphal.
This action was carried out in order to complete the requirements of an order that was issued by the Central Government. The order was issued in response to this activity.
It was stated in the order that it is the obligation of the President to make certain that there are no limits placed on travel throughout the entirety of the state. In the order, this responsibility was mentioned multiple times.
Security Forces Confront Armed Protesters
On the day of a press launch, persons who attacked the police with firearms were referred to as “armed miscreants from among the many, many protesters.” This name was used to describe those individuals. On the day that the press launch took place, this was the official statement.
A decision was made to conduct this action with the intention of drawing attention to the ongoing crisis.
Kangpokpi Blockade and Clashes with Security
When buses were travelling through Kangpokpi, which is around 45 kilometres distant from Imphal, they came across a congestion that was caused by female activists. This was one of the components that contributed to the situation.
Reportedly, the security personnel replied to the mob’s refusal to allow the vehicles to move by using tear gas and lathi-charging the persons who were involved in the event.
Injuries and Property Damage During Protest
It was found that the Kangpokpi demonstrators were the ones responsible for the destruction of a number of vehicles as well as the lighting of one vehicle on fire, according to the conclusions of the investigation that the police performed into the incident.
Manipur Authorities Decide to Resume Bus Services
In a meeting that took place on March 7, 2025, the State Authorities came to the opinion that it would be good to reorganise the bus service that is provided by Manipur State Transport Buses while they are escorted by security officials.
This decision was made with the intention of reducing the difficulties that the general populace is confronted with, with the goal of bringing about a return to normalcy inside the state commencing on March 8, at the earliest.
Kuki-Zo Response and Call for Indefinite Shutdown
An update was made to the Instagram account of the Manipur Police Department, which had been rebranded as @manipur_police on March 8, 2025.
A statement of dissatisfaction has been issued by the Kuki-Zo Council as well as the Kuki School college students’ Organisation over the event that has taken place. This is because security personnel have been tracking native demonstrators during the entire event. This is the reason for this observation.
These allegations are “completely without foundation and completely false,” as indicated in the statement that the police have distributed to the general public.
The phrase “Shutdown That Is Indefinite” refers to a shutdown that has been formally sanctioned by the government for an indeterminate amount of time throughout the duration of the closure.
Free Movement Order Resisted by Kuki-Zo
As part of a press launch that was known as an indefinite shutdown in places where Kuki-Zo tribes are prevalent, the Kuki-Zo Council (KAC), which is a recently founded organisation that has been around for a lengthy amount of time, participated in the event.
Travel and Ethnic Conflict Background
In accordance with the statements made by the professionals who were in charge of the situation, the buses that were travelling to Churachandpur arrived without any issues and did not come across any barricades on their trip there.
Prior to landing in Kangvai, which is situated in Churachandpur and is around 55 kilometres away from Imphal, the buses had previously been through Bishnupur, which is a region that is inhabited by the Meitei people.
Over the course of the more than two years that have elapsed since the commencement of the campaign to demand for…
Since the month of May in the year 2023, the Meitei neighbourhood, which is administered by the valley, and more than a dozen other tribes that are collectively referred to as Kuki have been engaged in a conflict.
Within the state of Manipur, particularly in the hilly portions of the state, these Kuki tribes have established themselves as the most strong and influential clan.
Impact and Political Demands
The scope of this battle extends to embrace a wide range of additional potential areas of contention, some of which involve political illustration and land rights, amongst other implications.
Approximately fifty thousand individuals have been compelled to flee their homes as a result of the violence, and more than two hundred and fifty people have been killed as a direct result of the violence.
Along with their frontal civic organisations, the leaders of more than two dozen militant groups that have signed the suspension of operations (SoO) settlement have requested that the Centre provide them with a separate government.
Conclusion
The current crisis in Manipur reflects long-standing ethnic, territorial, and political disputes that have now erupted into violence and societal fragmentation. The demands of the Kuki-Zo community for self-governance and the concerns of the Meitei population about national unity present a complex challenge. Government interventions, community negotiations, and sustainable political resolutions are urgently needed to restore peace and ensure the safety and dignity of all communities in Manipur.