Imphal
In Manipur, the ongoing unrest for months is not taking the name of stopping. Every time the situation is expected to be careful, but then a new ruckus arises. Now the latest case was hot when civilian buses started traveling between the districts under the supervision of the security forces. The move was strongly opposed by the Kuki community and blocked the streets. According to the report, the movement of passenger buses started again under the protection of security forces in Manipur, but the situation became tense due to opposition from the Kuki community. In Kangpokpi district, security forces had to resort to mine-resistant vehicles to remove barricades on the roads. Many Kuki women were injured in police lathicharge during the protest.
Violence in many places even after President’s rule
After the implementation of President’s rule in Manipur, the central government made it clear that no road will be allowed to remain blockade from today. Despite this, there have been reports of violence in many cookie-bound areas. In the video shared on social media, protesters were seen stoning, digging the streets, burning tires and putting barricades. The conflict between Meeti and Kuki communities in Manipur continues since May 2023, with more than 250 people who have lost their lives and around 50,000 people have been displaced. Cookie leaders and their supported organizations have demanded that they will not allow independent traffic until they get separate administration.
Different demand for Meti organizations
On the other hand, Meeti organizations have raised the question that when the conversation can continue, why are thousands of displaced trapped in relief camps are being stopped from returning home? Cookie leaders say that their demands have become more strict than before due to the violence erupted in May 2023 and now they want a separate administration or union territory instead of an autonomous council. At the same time, Meeti leaders have described this demand as part of the old plan to make ‘Kukiland’. Meanwhile, the World Cookie-Intellectual Council submitted a memorandum to the new Governor of Manipur on January 15, claiming that the Kuki community has been demanding a separate state since 1946-47. Significantly, this issue has been raised in many protests and discussions of the Kuki community over the years.