The Manipur Police has urged a prominent Naga civil body to lift the indefinite shutdown and facilitate Kuki-Zo safe passage across affected areas. The request comes amid growing humanitarian concerns as the prolonged closure of roads has left many stranded and in distress, especially the vulnerable sections of the Kuki-Zo population.
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Ethnic Strains Escalate in Manipur’s Hills
The backdrop of this plea is the ongoing ethnic turmoil between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities that has plagued Manipur since May 2023. The latest development has added a layer of complexity with the United Naga Council (UNC) calling for a total shutdown in Naga-dominated districts. Their demand centers around objections to the Manipur government’s policies and alleged mistreatment of the Naga population.
However, the Manipur Police emphasized that the shutdown is adversely affecting the Kuki-Zo safe passage and causing logistical nightmares for law enforcement and civilians alike.
Police Appeal for Humanitarian Grounds
In an official communication, police authorities reached out to the Naga body, asking them to reconsider the shutdown on humanitarian grounds. The appeal stressed the importance of maintaining critical supply routes, medical aid access, and evacuation corridors for affected civilians.
According to senior officials, security convoys have been arranged to escort vehicles through vulnerable stretches, but cooperation from local groups remains crucial. The police reiterated their commitment to neutral and fair enforcement of law and order during this ethnically sensitive period.
The shutdown has led to total paralysis of transport in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, and Chandel districts — key zones that connect the Kuki-Zo regions to the state capital and neighboring areas. Without access to essential goods and healthcare, thousands remain at risk.
Naga Body Yet to Respond
So far, the United Naga Council has not responded publicly to the police’s request. Sources close to the organization hint at deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the state’s political decisions, which could make negotiations complex. However, civil society groups and church organizations have also urged the UNC to consider allowing temporary relaxation for Kuki-Zo safe passage, especially for children, older people, and the sick.
The lack of dialogue between the ethnic groups and the state continues to widen the gap, making coordination even more difficult. Observers suggest that third-party intervention might be required to break the current impasse.
Repercussions of Continued Shutdown
The longer the shutdown continues, the greater the damage to community relations and public order. Relief work in Kuki-Zo areas is slowing down, while fear and mistrust among locals are growing.
State government sources have indicated that further inaction could lead to the intervention of central forces to ensure mobility for stranded people. However, officials prefer to exhaust peaceful means first, hoping that community leaders will recognize the importance of dialogue.
Human rights activists have also raised alarms about the impact on school-going children, patients needing medical evacuation, and displaced families. The roads blocked by the shutdown are crucial lifelines for these groups.
Hill Leaders Also Call for Calm
In a joint statement, several Kuki and Naga hill leaders appealed for peace and coordination. They acknowledged that while political differences exist, humanitarian issues like Kuki-Zo safe passage should be prioritized above all else.
They also suggested forming a neutral committee composed of representatives from all communities to oversee safe movement during such crises. The committee would help ensure that aid reaches the right hands without triggering new conflicts.
What Lies Ahead
As tensions simmer in Manipur’s hills, the state remains on edge. All eyes are now on the response from the United Naga Council, which holds the key to de-escalating the blockade. The ball is in their court — whether to maintain the shutdown or open a path for Kuki-Zo safe passage.
Meanwhile, security forces remain on high alert, ready to act if the situation turns volatile. The state administration is also monitoring the developments closely, weighing the need for stronger intervention if necessary.
Dialogue, empathy, and timely decisions are the need of the hour to prevent a humanitarian crisis from escalating further.
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