Kuki group lifts shutdown in Manipur, stranded trucks to start moving again

The protesters were trying to prevent the movement of a bus from the Meitei-majority valley through the Kuki-Zo majority district on the first day that the government attempted to enforce the free movement initiative in the strife-torn state.

“We would like to officially announce the lifting of the indefinite shutdown previously called by the Kuki-Zo Council W.e.f 07:30 PM of 13th March 2025. The decision to end the shutdown comes after careful deliberation. However, it is imperative to make it clear that while the shutdown has been lifted, the Free Movement, as announced by the Home Ministry shall be vehemently opposed by the Kuki-Zo people, as it undermines and dilutes the justice process. Until justice is duly served for the Kuki-Zo people, any move toward unrestricted free movement will be vigorously opposed,” read a statement issued by the Kuki Zo Council.

In a security review meeting on March 2, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told security forces to enable free movement — that is, to ensure that Meiteis are able to pass through the hill areas of the state and that Kuki-Zos can come to Imphal valley, something that has not been possible safely for either community since the start of the conflict.

Two state-run buses with paramilitary escort were flagged off from Imphal on March 8. The violence in Kangpokpi took place after one of them arrived at the district.

Around 450 loaded trucks carrying goods to Imphal had been stranded on National Highway-2 in Naga-majority Senapati district because of the shutdown, unable to move through the Kangpokpi stretch connecting Senapati to Imphal West. Senapati SP Dharmendra Tyagi said that with the lifting of the shutdown, the trucks will now move towards Imphal in batches of 30.