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Protests Disrupt Normalcy in Churachandpur

Imphal, June 20: On Friday, the Churachandpur district of Manipur witnessed significant disruptions as members of a tribal organization initiated an indefinite strike in response to the tragic death of an elderly Kuki woman.

Business operations and markets were largely shut down, and traffic was severely impacted as activists from the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), including many women, obstructed various roads throughout the district.

Protesters, armed with sticks, took to the streets to voice their outrage over the death of Hoikholhing Haokip, who was caught in a crossfire involving security forces and unidentified armed individuals.

Attendance at government offices was notably low, and educational institutions remained closed for the day, according to official reports.

The ITLF declared the shutdown following Haokip's death, which occurred during a confrontation between security personnel and armed assailants on Thursday evening.

The incident unfolded as security forces were conducting operations in the Langchingmanbi and Heichanglok regions, where armed individuals opened fire upon noticing them, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The ITLF has urged the central government to take decisive actions to safeguard the tribal community and their lands, demanding an independent inquiry into the ongoing violations of buffer zones in conflict-affected areas.

Additionally, a 24-hour shutdown has been announced in the Kangpokpi district starting from 1 PM on Friday, a decision supported by the Committee on Tribal Unity and various civil society organizations in Churachandpur.

Since May 2023, ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups have resulted in over 260 fatalities and left thousands displaced.

Following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the Centre imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, leading to the suspension of the state assembly, which is set to remain inactive until 2027.