‘Peace’ Efforts in Manipur Result in Violence; 1 Dead, Dozens Injured

Govt. Seeking Normalcy Without Resolving Underlying Issues

March 10, 2025

Houses damaged in Manipur violence. Photo from Imphal, May 2023, by Vishal Arora

Efforts to restore “normalcy” in Manipur after nearly two years of violence, by enforcing free movement on highways, have triggered an indefinite shutdown in Kuki-Zo-dominated areas. The shutdown follows deadly clashes in Kangpokpi district between security forces and Kuki-Zo protesters, resulting in the death of 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit.

The violence erupted on March 8 following the government’s decision to resume unrestricted travel along highways connecting the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley with Kuki-Zo-dominated hill areas.

A state transport bus escorted by security forces attempted to traverse the Imphal-Kangpokpi route but was met with blockades and resistance by Kuki-Zo protesters. Security forces used tear gas and live rounds to disperse the crowd, resulting in Singsit’s death and leaving dozens injured, including 40 protesters and 27 security personnel.

Clashes also saw two police vehicles set ablaze and roads barricaded with burnt tires and wooden logs. 

Protesters have accused the government of escalating tensions by forcing the implementation of the free movement program, disregarding the underlying grievances of the Kuki-Zo community, including demands for justice and a separate Union territory.

In response to the violence, the Kuki-Zo Council announced an indefinite shutdown in Kuki-Zo-dominated areas.

The clashes mark the first major outbreak of violence since the imposition of President’s Rule in the state on Feb. 13, following violence between the majority Meitei and the minority Kuki-Zo tribes, amid allegations of state government support for the Meitei community. The violence, which began in May 2023, has claimed at least 250 lives, displaced thousands and left the state deeply divided along ethnic lines.

The government’s directive to ensure free movement on highways aimed to restore normalcy; however, it has instead heightened tensions, apparently because the central government has not provided assurances of accountability and justice for the victims.

Alleged complicity by the state government and inaction by the central government have critically undermined trust in institutions meant to protect citizens. Despite apparent evidence of the state government’s involvement in the violence, demands for accountability in Manipur have come primarily from private citizens, human rights groups, and activists, not from the central government, which imposed President’s Rule only after the ruling party lost its legislative majority in the state. 

The “Manipur Tapes,” leaked recordings being examined by the Supreme Court and showcasing former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh allegedly admitting to a role in the ethnic strife, hint at state support for one faction in the conflict.

The central government’s failure to pursue legal action against the perpetrators, coupled with its advocacy for a “move on” strategy without addressing justice and accountability, seems to have further empowered the groups implicated in the violence and sentiments that are behind the unrest.

As free movement was enforced on March 8, Th. Manihar, President of the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) Manipur, addressed a procession of Meiteis where he declared, “Manipur is only for Meiteis and the Indigenous Nagas. All other communities... don’t belong to this land. They are made to stay here out of mercy,” as reported by Power Corridors.

Although Manihar was forced to resign, the sentiment expressed in his statement indicates that normalcy in Manipur is still as distant as east is from west.

Central paramilitary forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), were deployed to clear the highways and maintain order. However, the alleged heavy-handed response has drawn criticism from Kuki-Zo organisations, which accused security personnel of using excessive force.

Women protesters have alleged mistreatment, with more than 50 sustaining injuries during the clashes.

The Kuki-Zo Council argued that the free movement initiative disregards the safety and concerns of the Kuki-Zo people, many of whom have been victims of violence since the conflict began. The council stated that the shutdown would continue until a political solution addressing their demands is reached.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo body, criticised the government for permitting processions and called for solidarity in opposing the free movement initiative.

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights has described the free movement program as a populist measure that sacrifices the well-being of the Kuki people. 

The government has defended its actions, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah describing the free movement initiative as a step towards peace. State transport buses resumed operations on select routes under heavy security on March 8, with plans to expand services in the coming days.

Former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi criticised the government’s handling of the situation, suggesting that a more gradual approach involving dialogue with both communities could have prevented the violence, as reported by Hindustan Times.