Manipur: Kuki-Zo group stages NH-2 protest, security uses tear gas to disperse crowd

A protest was held in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on June 30 as members of the Kuki-Zo community, under the banner of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), marched towards the buffer zone at Gamgiphai to press for the restoration of the movement of essential commodities along National Highway-2.

The protesters assembled at Taloulong before proceeding towards the buffer zone. Security forces deployed in the area stopped them from advancing towards Kanglatongbi, where CoTU has alleged that the movement of essential goods has remained disrupted.

A brief standoff ensued between the protesters and security personnel, following which the security forces used tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse the gathering and prevent the march from crossing the buffer zone.

Several protesters later remained seated on National Highway-2, demanding that the alleged restrictions on the movement of food, medicines and other essential supplies be removed. The demonstration briefly affected traffic movement along the highway.

Speaking to reporters, CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen said the organisation was seeking the restoration of the free movement of essential commodities and urged the authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest.

He alleged that repeated representations submitted to the district administration, police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) regarding the disruption of supplies had not yielded any concrete action.

Kipgen also appealed to security agencies to maintain neutrality while discharging their duties and expressed hope that the movement of essential goods along NH-2 would be restored without further delay.

The protesters claimed that prolonged restrictions on the highway have led to shortages and rising prices of essential commodities in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. They maintained that the march was intended to highlight these concerns and facilitate the reopening of the supply route.

CoTU has previously alleged that checkpoints and blockades in parts of NH-2 have affected the transportation of essential commodities. The organisation has been demanding government intervention to ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods along the highway.

There was no immediate response from the state government or security agencies regarding the protesters' allegations.

The situation remained under watch, with security personnel deployed in the area to maintain law and order.