Security forces prevented a face-off near Kanto Sabal after stopping a Kuki protest march against the ongoing economic blockade at Leimakhong Chingmang.
Imphal, July 3: Security forces on Thursday prevented a face-off between Kuki protesters and local Meetei and Naga residents near Kanto Sabal in Imphal West district after stopping a protest march against the ongoing economic blockade at Leimakhong Chingmang, according to reports.
No injuries or casualties were reported, but security forces remained deployed in the area as tensions persisted.
According to reports received by the press, local Meetei and Naga residents had blocked the road linking Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts near Kanto Sabal in support of the economic blockade launched by the United Naga Council (UNC), which is demanding justice for the killing of six Naga civilians allegedly by Kuki individuals.
The reports said the blockade has disrupted the supply of essential commodities, including food and drinking water, to Kuki villages in Kangpokpi district, prompting the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) to launch an agitation demanding its immediate withdrawal.
In support of the agitation, a large number of Kuki residents reportedly marched towards Kanto Sabal on Thursday evening to clear the road blockade. The reports estimated that around a thousand people participated in the rally.
As news of the march spread, Meetei and Naga residents also gathered near Kanto Sabal. Central security forces and the Manipur Police were deployed in strength to prevent the two groups from confronting each other.
According to the reports, security personnel stopped the Kuki protesters at Leimakhong Chingmang and dispersed the gathering before it reached Kanto Sabal, preventing any untoward incident.
Although the situation remained tense, no clashes or casualties were reported. Security forces continued to maintain a high-alert vigil in the area to prevent any escalation.
Meanwhile, the economic blockade near Namdilong village in Kangpokpi district continued on Thursday.
According to the reports, protesters checked vehicles travelling along National Highway-2 as part of the agitation against the transportation of goods intended for Kuki areas. The reports added that women from different localities also joined the protest in support of the blockade.
During the agitation, Wiriangjinliu Chawang of the Koubru Range Liangmai Women's Union alleged that the government had failed to deliver justice for the killing of six Naga civilians.
She further alleged that while Kuki individuals were being provided security protection for movement, Meetei and Naga residents faced restrictions on their movement. She urged the government to arrest those responsible for the killings at the earliest.
Chawang also referred to the ethnic violence of the early 1990s and made allegations regarding the relationship between the Meetei, Naga and Kuki communities.
The allegations and claims made during the protest could not be independently verified. There was no immediate response from the Manipur Government, security agencies or the Kuki organisations regarding the statements made by the protest organisers.
