Manipur Clashes: One Kuki Zo Protester Killed, 25 Injured Over Opposition To HM Amit Shah's Free Movement Directive

Guwahati, March 8: One Kuki Zo protester was killed and more than 25 others, including women, were injured in clashes across Kangpokpi district in Manipur on Saturday after security forces tried to disperse demonstrators opposing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s free movement directive.

The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit, who died of bullet injuries sustained during clashes at Keithelmanbi. According to officials, he died while being rushed to a nearby hospital.

The unrest left 25 protesters injured in separate clashes that took place at Gamgiphai, Motbung, and Keithelmanbi. All the injured were admitted to local Primary Health Centres (PHCs) for treatment.

Earlier in the day, tensions flared after demonstrators belong to Kuki community took to the streets to protest against Shah’s announcement allowing free movement across the state.

In response, security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the agitated crowd, triggering violent clashes. The situation further escalated when protesters set ablaze private vehicles and attempted to stop a state transport bus travelling from Imphal to Senapati district.

The demonstrators also blocked the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) by burning tyres, disrupting the movement of government vehicles.

Adding fuel to the unrest, Kuki protesters also objected to a peace march organised by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation, which was intended to enter Kangpokpi district.

The march, involving over 10 vehicles, was halted by security forces at Sekmai before it could reach Kangpokpi. According to police officials, the march did not have the necessary permissions to proceed, forcing them to intervene.

In a video, allegedly released from an undisclosed location, a group of purported Kuki-Zo village volunteers issued a strong warning opposing the implementation of Shah’s free movement directive.

"We will strongly resist any attempt to enter our areas. There will be no free movement until a separate administration is granted," a masked individual declared in the video.