Violence erupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, as the government's attempt to restore free movement across the state was met with fierce opposition from Kuki-Zo protesters. The clashes between demonstrators and security forces left one person dead and 45 others injured, highlighting the persistent ethnic tensions that have plagued the northeastern state for nearly two years.
The Incident
The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit, succumbed to bullet injuries sustained during confrontations at Keithelmanbi. The violence began when state transport buses, escorted by security forces, attempted to travel through Kuki-dominated areas following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive allowing unrestricted movement across Manipur.
Early that morning, BSF-escorted convoys transported Meitei community members from Imphal Airport to Senapati via Kangpokpi, while CRPF forces provided security for buses on the Imphal-Churachandpur route. The Manipur Police had announced via social media that these services would commence on March 8th to "alleviate public inconvenience and restore normalcy."
When buses reached Kangpokpi, they were met by large groups of Kuki-Zo protesters determined to block their passage. Initially peaceful, protesters held the national flag and sang the National Anthem in an attempt to deter security forces from removing them. However, the situation deteriorated when security forces tried to disperse the crowd, leading to stone-throwing by protesters and subsequent forceful retaliation by authorities.
The clashes quickly spread across multiple locations including Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters, who responded by setting private vehicles ablaze, blocking the Imphal-Dimapur highway (NH-2), and burning tires to obstruct government vehicles. According to police reports, sixteen protesters and twenty-seven security personnel were injured, with two in critical condition.
Background Context
The recent violence must be understood in the context of Manipur's prolonged ethnic conflict. Since May 2023, over 258 lives have been lost in clashes between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community, which dominates the Imphal Valley, and the primarily Christian Kuki-Zo tribes that inhabit the surrounding hill districts.
For almost 22 months, strict travel restrictions and buffer zones have kept the warring communities separated. The ethnic divide has resulted in displaced populations unable to return to their homes and severely limited movement between different regions of the state.
The "free movement" directive was introduced as part of the central government's efforts to restore normalcy in Manipur, which has been under President's Rule. Chief Secretary PK Singh stated that the initiative aimed to ease public inconvenience after months of relative calm. However, the policy has been viewed differently by the opposing communities.
Community Reactions
The Kuki-Zo community has vehemently opposed the free movement initiative. The 'Committee on Tribal Unity' warned that allowing travel through buffer zones would violate the separation between the warring communities. In response to Saturday's events, the Kuki-Zo Council announced an indefinite shutdown across Kuki-Zo areas starting Saturday midnight.
KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet stated, "The 'free movement' initiative will be staunchly opposed until a political solution for the Kuki-Zo community is reached for lasting peace in the region. The KZC cannot guarantee free movement of Meiteis across buffer zones and cannot take responsibility for any untoward incidents."
Conversely, Meitei organizations have questioned the resistance to free movement. The Meitei Heritage Society condemned the "blockade of the National Highway in Kangpokpi by Chin Kuki protesters and their armed groups," calling it a "deeply disturbing and deliberate act of defiance." Meitei activists have asked why displaced people cannot return home and why safe travel on national highways continues to be obstructed.
A Kuki community spokesperson described Saturday's violence as "a failure of the state to protect its people," while a Meitei activist accused security forces of using "heavy-handed tactics." This rhetoric from both sides illustrates the deep mistrust that persists between the communities and toward government initiatives.
Government Response
While the Manipur government has yet to issue an official statement regarding Saturday's violence, sources indicate that additional Central Armed Police Force units may be deployed to stabilize the region. The incident has raised questions about the timing and implementation of the free movement directive.
The unrest coincided with a peace march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organization, which was stopped by security forces at Sekmai due to a lack of permission. FOCS members argued that their march aligned with Shah's free movement directive, but police insisted they could only travel using state-arranged buses, further complicating the situation.
Looking Forward
Saturday's violence underscores the fragile peace in Manipur and the complex challenges facing authorities as they attempt to restore normalcy. The stark contrast between the relatively incident-free passage of buses to Churachandpur through Meitei-dominated areas and the violent opposition in Kuki areas highlights the uneven landscape of reconciliation efforts.
The Kuki-Zo Council's warning about their inability to "guarantee free movement of Meiteis across buffer zones" suggests that the state's path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. As tensions escalate, both communities continue to express distrust over government initiatives, indicating that a sustainable solution may require addressing deeper political and social grievances beyond simply lifting travel restrictions.
The violence in Kangpokpi serves as a sobering reminder that after nearly two years of conflict, Manipur's ethnic divisions remain deeply entrenched, and initiatives toward normalcy must carefully consider the complex dynamics of trust, security, and community reconciliation.
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violence broke out with Kiki-Zo people opposing free movement in Manipur

Kuki-Zo protests against state initiative leave one dead, reigniting 22-month ethnic conflict

Manipur Bleeds: Free Movement Triggers New Unrest

Kuki-Zo protests against state initiative leave one dead, reigniting 22-month ethnic conflict

March 9, 2025 | 10:26 IST