The Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills, the Kuki Students’ Organisation South West Sadar Hills, and the Kuki Women Union Moltam Region have jointly called for a 24-hour total shutdown from midnight on June 10 in Kuki-dominated areas along National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) in protest against the unwarranted breach of peace and tranquility along NH-37.
The unanimous decision was taken during a joint meeting of the Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills, KSO South West Sadar Hills, and Kuki Women Union Moltam Lhang held today.
“In our bid to maintain peace and tranquility along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) and in order to avoid any violent activities, CSOs of the areas had repeatedly appealed to the state government, including police and district administration, not to deploy any Meitei drivers and police personnel along NH-37,” stated the Kuki bodies.
It also recalled that the CSOs had briefed every stakeholder, including the state police and central security forces, regarding the possible outcome and vulnerability of the situation if Meitei security personnel/police and drivers are deployed along the said national highway.
While vehemently condemning the state Government for the alleged “utter disrespect and arrogance” shown towards the repeated appeals of the Kuki civil bodies, the South West Sadar Hills Kuki bodies blamed the state Government for the unfortunate incident that occurred on June 10, 2024, at around 10:30 am along NH-37 near Sinam Jonhol village of Kangpokpi district.
“The Government of Manipur must fully accept its responsibility for breaching peace and tranquillity in the area, thereby creating fear psychosis among the general public”, the Kuki bodies stated.
During the 24-hour total shutdown in all Kuki-dominated areas of National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) in protest against the alleged blatant breach of peace by the state government, all vehicular movements will be restricted.
“If any attempt is made to violate the said shutdown, the perpetrators shall be held responsible for any consequences that could arise,” warns the Kuki bodies.
Meanwhile, locals alleged that during the search operation in the aftermath of today’s incident at Sinam Jonhol, the state forces looted cash and valuable items in many houses while destroying several properties.
