Kangpokpi erupts in mass protests over army’s Leimakhong roadblock; CoTU warns of escalating agitation

Kangpokpi District witnessed a total shutdown and mass protests today, organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) in response to alleged "unwarranted road restrictions" imposed by the Army at Leimakhong. 

The 12-hour bandh, spanning from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM, paralyzed daily life, leaving National Highway 2 deserted and businesses shuttered.

The protests were sparked by the Army's road closures following the abduction of an MES employee from Leimakhong cantonment—a move strongly criticized by CoTU as "regrettable and unjustified." 

While the Kuki-Zo body expressed support for search operations to locate the abducted individual, they condemned the restrictions as excessive, causing unnecessary hardship to the public.

Women and youth volunteers enforced the shutdown at key points such as Kangpokpi, Keithelmanbi, and Gamgiphai, as heavy security deployments ensured peace. 

Simultaneously, protests erupted at multiple locations, including Saikul, Kangchup, and the Twilang Region. Protestors carried banners with messages like "We Demand Our Lifeline Back" and "We Want Justice," calling for an immediate end to the roadblocks.

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CoTU leaders addressed gatherings at various protest sites, emphasizing the community's demands and discussing potential escalation if their grievances remain unaddressed.

Despite the peaceful conclusion of today's actions, tensions persist, with CoTU vowing to intensify their agitation unless the roadway restrictions are lifted promptly.

Slamming the army's blockade of the Leimakhong road, CoTU Spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen condemned the army's actions during a powerful statement made at a mass protest, calling it a direct attack on the lifeline of the Kuki-Zo community.

According to Kipgen, the road, which connects Churachandpur and Sadar Hills, was built by the community without government aid and is now being unjustly restricted.

“This road is not just a path; it’s our lifeline,” Kipgen declared. “Blocking it has brought hardship to a community already struggling. This road, built by our own hands, should not be dragged into political disputes. It is crucial for our survival, and such restrictions are unacceptable.”

Kipgen questioned the army’s neutrality, accusing them of aligning with the Meitei community’s ethnocentric narrative. “The army, once trusted as a neutral force, has failed us. Their actions now seem to support a divisive agenda, further alienating the Kuki-Zo people,” he said.

Highlighting the double standards, Kipgen pointed out that the Kuki-Zo community has never blocked vehicles travelling to Imphal, despite the lack of reciprocity. “Why is our road being targeted? The Kuki-Zo people cannot even travel to Imphal safely, yet the only alternative route to Churachandpur is being blocked. This is unjust, and it must stop immediately,” he asserted.

Kipgen called for urgent intervention by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, urging the immediate lifting of restrictions on the Leimakhong highway. “The army must reconsider its stance. This blockade only deepens the crisis and sets a dangerous precedent,” he warned.

He also made a strong appeal to Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a shift in control over law and order to the Defence Ministry. “If the State Chief Minister cannot maintain order and neutrality, then it is time to hand over control of all state and central forces to the Defence Ministry. Only then can we hope for fairness in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

With the Kuki-Zo community standing firm in their demand for justice, Ng. Lun Kipgen concluded, “The Leimakhong road blockade is more than just a road issue—it’s a matter of survival and dignity,” signalling that the community will not back down until the restrictions are lifted.