Students stopped from attending school amid Kuki protest in Manipur

Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Leimakhong, were reportedly prevented from attending classes on Friday, July 3, after Kuki protesters blocked the road leading to the school near the Leimakhong Army Camp in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, disrupting normal academic activities.
 

According to parents, school vehicles carrying students from Kanto Sabal and nearby areas were stopped at around 7.30 am by the protesters, who allegedly prevented Meitei, Naga and Nepali students from entering the school premises. Many students were forced to return home after being stranded outside the campus.
 

The protest is part of an ongoing agitation by Kuki organisations against what they describe as an economic blockade affecting Kuki-dominated areas of Kangpokpi district. The agitation follows blockade and boycott calls by Naga groups, which have disrupted the movement of essential commodities along National Highway-2.
 

The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Kuki, Naga and Meitei groups over civic and economic restrictions in parts of Manipur's hill districts.
 

Following the disruption, officials from the Army's Red Shield Division visited Kanto Sabal and held discussions with parents and local residents. Army officials reportedly assured them that steps would be taken to ensure the safe movement of students and prevent similar incidents in the future. However, residents sought a written assurance, which the officials reportedly declined to provide.
 

The latest protest follows an attempt by Kuki groups on July 2 to march towards Kanto Sabal village, located on the outskirts of Imphal West district bordering Kangpokpi. The march was organised to protest the continued blockade allegedly affecting the supply of essential goods to Kuki-inhabited areas.
 

The blockade itself stems from protests by Naga organisations demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were allegedly killed by suspected Kuki militants. Naga groups have maintained that their agitation will continue until their demands are met.