Manipur: Kuki-Zo community intensifies NH-2 agitation, launches indefinite round-the-clock protest in Kangpokpi

The Kuki-Zo community across Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi district has intensified its agitation by launching a round-the-clock indefinite protest at the Gamgiphai Buffer Zone, stating that the movement will continue until the Manipur Government restores unrestricted traffic movement along National Highway-2 by removing the prolonged blockade at Namduilong-Kanglatongbi and other affected stretches.

The renewed phase of agitation followed an incident on Tuesday when hundreds of Kuki-Zo protesters attempted to move across the Gamgiphai Buffer Zone, stating that they intended to assist authorities in reopening the highway corridor that has reportedly remained disrupted for nearly two months, affecting the movement of essential commodities. The march was halted by security personnel, resulting in a brief period of tension before the situation was brought under control.

Subsequently, community leaders and protesters collectively resolved to initiate an indefinite sit-in protest at Gamgiphai, maintaining that the agitation would continue until authorities ensure free civilian movement and uninterrupted supply of essential goods along the strategic highway.

As part of the intensified protest, demonstrators began regulating the movement of civilian vehicles on National Highway-2, including passenger and commodity transport services. Emergency medical services, ambulances and security force convoys have been exempted from restrictions.

Organisers stated that the protest is being conducted on a rotational basis, with volunteers maintaining a continuous presence at the site to monitor vehicle movement and oversee the demonstration.

On Wednesday, the second day of the agitation, protesters continued their blockade at Gamgiphai while raising demands for equal treatment and immediate restoration of unrestricted movement along the highway.

Despite heightened tensions and public concern over prolonged disruption, protest organisers maintained that the demonstration remained peaceful. Volunteers under the supervision of community leaders reportedly stopped several tourist and passenger vehicles but did not engage in vandalism or confrontational activities. Protesters also facilitated alternate transportation arrangements for stranded passengers, stating that the agitation was aimed at Government action rather than civilians.

Speaking during the protest, Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen said the community continues to await Government intervention to clear areas allegedly linked to enforcement of the prolonged blockade, particularly in the Namduilong-Kanglatongbi sector.

Kipgen stated that Kangpokpi district is inhabited by multiple communities, including Kuki-Zo, Nepalese, Pangal and Naga residents, and urged both the Government of India and the State Government to adopt an inclusive approach while addressing the issue.

Referring to political developments, he stated that elected representatives from the Kuki-Zo community had extended support to the State Government despite prevailing challenges and called for greater responsiveness to the concerns of affected populations.

He further reiterated that the agitation would continue until authorities ensure uninterrupted supply chains and unrestricted movement along National Highway-2, which serves as a key transport corridor for the hill districts.

The ongoing indefinite protest has added pressure on the State administration as the standoff over the prolonged highway disruption enters a renewed phase, with protesters maintaining that the agitation will remain in place until normal traffic movement is restored.