Clashes between Kuki-Zo community members and security forces on the Imphal-Dimapur highway have resulted in at least one death and 27 injured security personnel, according to security sources. The violence erupted after locals defied Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive for unrestricted vehicle movement across Manipur.
A curfew has been imposed in Kanpokpi, particularly along National Highway 2, due to escalating tensions. Security forces initially used tear gas to disperse protesters blocking NH-2 and burning tires to obstruct government vehicles. The situation worsened when protesters torched private vehicles and attempted to halt a state transport bus headed to Senapati district.
The Kuki-Zo community was also protesting a peaceful march organized by the Meitei Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), which security forces halted at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi district, citing lack of permission despite Shah's directive. "We are just following orders. We have been told to stop the march. If they want to go, they can go in the state buses arranged by the government," a police officer told PTI.