Hundreds of Kuki residents staged protests across Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday, June 21 as civil society organisations enforced an emergency shutdown along key national highways, alleging that recent security operations in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas were selective and disproportionately targeted their communities.

The shutdown, called by Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kangpokpi, witnessed extensive participation across Kangpokpi, Saparmeina, Gamgiphai and several other Kuki-Zo dominated areas. Roads remained largely deserted, commercial establishments suspended operations and vehicular movement along National Highway-2 (NH-2) was significantly affected.

Volunteers were deployed at strategic points to enforce the shutdown, resulting in near-total compliance in several locations. Business establishments, private institutions and local markets remained closed following the call.

The protest comes amid rising discontent over recent security operations in Manipur’s hill districts. Kuki organisations alleged that security actions have disproportionately focused on Kuki villages and local village defence volunteers.

Speaking to the media in Kangpokpi during the shutdown, Kuki CSOs Kangpokpi spokesperson Janghaolun Haokip said the emergency highway shutdown was a collective decision taken by major Kuki civil society organisations in response to what he described as selective security operations conducted by central security forces.

Haokip alleged that despite repeated appeals from community representatives, security operations continued to concentrate on Kuki villages and volunteers. According to him, local village volunteers had assumed security responsibilities due to concerns over inadequate protection in vulnerable areas.

He stated that community volunteers would continue to safeguard villages as long as residents perceived security threats and warned against actions that, according to the organisations, could further intensify tensions in the region.

Haokip also appealed to the public to avoid travelling through affected highway stretches during the shutdown period to prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced an emergency highway bandh and shutdown along NH-2 and National Highway-37 (NH-37), raising concerns over what it described as partial and selective security operations in the Leimakhong–Kangchup area and alleging unequal protection for Kuki-Zo civilians.

In a statement, CoTU said perceptions of bias in security actions were eroding public confidence in institutions responsible for maintaining law and order, particularly amid continuing tensions involving Kuki and Kacha Naga communities.

The organisation maintained that security agencies and the government have a responsibility to ensure equal protection for all citizens and cautioned that any perceived imbalance could aggravate the already sensitive situation.

Referring to the recent killings of three Christian pastors and twelve Kuki villagers, CoTU described the incidents as deeply distressing and said they had intensified fear and concern across Kuki areas. The organisation also cited reports of attacks on villages, destruction of property and displacement of civilians, while demanding identification and prosecution of those responsible through a transparent process.

Calling the security situation “rapidly deteriorating”, CoTU urged the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene and ensure impartial and professional conduct of security operations.

Among its key demands, the organisation sought enhanced protection for vulnerable villages, an independent investigation into the killings, measures to prevent further violence and displacement, and accountability for any alleged lapses in security deployment.

As part of the protest, CoTU declared an indefinite shutdown on NH-2 and NH-37 with effect from 4 pm on Sunday, stating that the agitation would continue until further notice. However, it clarified that essential services, ambulances, medical emergencies and humanitarian relief operations would remain exempt.