The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) ended the community’s shutdown of the national highways passing through Manipur’s hill districts on Thursday (March 13, 2025), following the burial of a protestor who was killed in violent clashes on March 8. The movement of commercial vehicles resumed on both NH-2 and NH-37 on Thursday evening.
However, the apex body of the Kuki-Zo community insisted that it would continue to oppose the government’s decision to reopen all roads across the strife-hit State. “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,” the KZC said, in a statement.
Kuki-Zo protestor Lalgouthang Singsit was killed on March 8 when Kuki-Zo people in Kangpokpi district clashed with central security forces over their enforcement of the decision to permit free movement of all vehicles on national highways. Following his death, even the movement of commercial vehicles has been blocked by Kuki-Zo protestors for the past five days. A prolonged blockade would affect the supply of essential commodities to the Meitei-dominated valley districts.
The KZC also emphasised its commitment to the cause of a separate administration of the State’s hill districts, although visiting Central government officials reiterated, during a meeting with Kuki-Zo bodies in Churachandpur on March 11, that such a move is not agreeable.
Naga MLAs meet Governor
On Thursday, six Naga MLAs met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to apprise him of the hardships faced by their community due to the tense situation in Manipur, and to push for peace in the State. They pledged support for any initiative to restore peace and normalcy.
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“They assured [the Governor] that they will extend their cooperation in every step to ensure peace, and also exuded confidence that the State will definitely return to peace and normalcy under the leadership of the Governor,” the Raj Bhavan said, in a statement.
The six MLAs were Awangbow Newmai, Khashim Vashum, Losii Dikho, Leishiyo Keishing, J. Kumo Sha, and Janghemlung Panmei.
Representatives of the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee, led by its co-convenor Naba Ningthoujam, also met the Governor and submitted a memorandum requesting him to take steps for the welfare of internally displaced people from Churachandpur district who are now living in various relief camps. They also highlighted the hardships of the displaced people and the Governor promised to look into the matter.
Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13. More than 250 people have been killed since ethnic violence erupted in the State on May 3, 2023.
