Imphal, Manipur: Normal life in several hill districts of Manipur, including Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, remained disrupted for the second consecutive day on Saturday due to a shutdown called by tribal organisations. The shutdown, which began on Friday and is scheduled to continue till Sunday, was initiated following reports of a potential attack on Kuki-Zo tribals. While no untoward incidents have been reported so far, shops, markets, and commercial establishments remain closed, with vehicular movement restricted to security forces and emergency services.
The shutdown was called in response to a statement made by Manipur’s Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh on September 20, alleging that 900 Kuki militants had infiltrated from Myanmar and were planning attacks in the state. However, a joint statement issued by the Director General of Police and the Security Advisor on September 25 retracted the claim, stating that the information was unsubstantiated and the likelihood of such an attack was minimal.
Following the retracted statement, various tribal organisations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, and Kuki Students Organisation (KSO), had urged the Kuki-Zo community to refrain from travelling outside their areas between September 26 and 29, anticipating potential attacks. They also directed village volunteers and citizens to remain on high alert during this period.
While authorities have downplayed the threat, the ongoing shutdown highlights the heightened tension and anxieties within the Kuki-Zo community. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days and whether the government will take further steps to ensure the safety and security of all communities.
