Protests led by Kuki-Zo women in Saibol, Kangpokpi district of Manipur, turned violent as they clashed with security forces. The protests were over alleged forceful occupation of community bunkers by security personnel, which added to the already heightened tensions in the region.
Allegations and Incident Details
Protest Trigger: Women from the Kuki-Zo community claimed that Central security forces were forcefully occupying community bunkers, which led to a mass protest.
Force Used: Protesters claimed that security personnel used tear gas and physical force. Eyewitnesses claimed that several women were manhandled, pushed, and dragged.
Casualties: Injured protesters were treated with first aid in nearby villages, while others were taken to the nearest hospital, two hours away.
Community Demands and Threats
Withdrawal of Central Forces: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) of Sadar Hills has sought the immediate withdrawal of Central forces from Saibol.
Time-Frame Given to Authorities: CoTU has given the government an ultimatum till 4 PM of December 31 to address its grievances, threatening an indefinite economic blockade on National Highway 2 (NH-2) if the demands are not met.
NH-2 holds strategic importance to Manipur from the rest of India, as a blockade of this route might lead to economic crisis in the region.
Regional Anger Grows Over Growing Demands for Accountability
Outrage Across the Board: Manipur is already up in arms against the treatment meted out to women allegedly by security personnel.
CoTU Takes a Stand
CoTU spokesperson Kaiminlen Sitlhou said, “We will not sit back and watch our people being oppressed and abused.”
Sitlhou highlighted the economic implications of a blockade on NH-2 and appealed to the government to reduce the crisis by redressing the grievances of the community.
Government and Security Forces’ Response
So far, the Central government or security forces have not issued an official statement in response to these allegations of excesses. However, authorities have been said to be keeping tabs on the situation, and with the deadline nearing, the pressure has mounted.
Possible Outcomes
The indefinite economic blockade on NH-2 could cripple essential supplies and trade as well as mobility in the entire region. This crisis once again underlines the fragile socio-political dynamics of Manipur where unresolved tensions between communities and the authorities can soon turn into an explosive situation.
The protests in Saibol reflect the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to avoid further escalation. As the deadline of CoTU approaches, everyone waits for the government’s next step in responding to the demands of the Kuki-Zo community.