Massive Public Protest Rocks Kangpokpi Over Force Deployment in Saibol

Kangpokpi District Headquarters witnessed an intense public uprising today as thousands of Kuki-Zo community members, predominantly women, staged a massive protest under the leadership of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) Sadar Hills. This demonstration adds to a series of consecutive protests against what the community perceives as systematic oppression.

Today's protest comes amid the ongoing indefinite economic blockade and a 24-hour total shutdown, triggered by the deployment of central security forces from the Valley in Saibol, Bungpi region of Lhungtin Sub-Division.

The protesters gathered at Brig. M. Thomas Ground and split into two groups to make their demands heard at key administrative offices.

One group, led by CoTU Secretary Lamminlun Singsit and Spokesperson Kaiminlen Sitlhou, successfully picketed the District Commissioner’s (DC) office. They submitted a memorandum addressed to the Security Advisor through the Assistant Commissioner and sealed the DC office in a symbolic act of defiance.

Meanwhile, another group, led by CoTU Information Secretary Thangtinlen Haokip and Spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen, attempted to picket the Superintendent of Police (SP) office. Although they initially faced resistance, the SP held multiple rounds of discussions with CoTU leaders. In a significant development, the SP assured the protesters that central forces in Saibol would be replaced by personnel from Kangpokpi's Saikul Police and central forces stationed in Saikul. The SP requested three hours to implement the decision.

Following this assurance, thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the SP office, determined to see the promise fulfilled within the stipulated timeframe.

CoTU's memorandum to the Security Advisor of Manipur calls for the immediate withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), from the valley deployed in Kuki-Zo dominated areas in Kangpokpi district. The memorandum underscores the community's vehement opposition to what they describe as politically motivated deployments aimed at marginalizing the tribal population.

It also highlights the deployment of central forces from Valley districts into Kuki-Zo areas such as Saibol, Twichin, Mongneljang, and S. Khonomphai as a deliberate move to exert political dominance over the minority community. CoTU’s Secretary, Lamminlun Singsit, stated that these actions not only destabilize the region but also intensify distrust among tribal populations.

The CoTU leadership expressed outrage over the alleged use of excessive force during Christmas celebrations in these areas, where they claim over 50 women were injured due to rubber bullets, tear gas, and other aggressive measures employed by security personnel. "The unprovoked attacks by the majoritarian Meitei community and the failure of the central forces to protect the tribal population have exposed the partiality of the current deployment," the memorandum reads.

Reiterating their long-standing demand for neutral forces to monitor buffer zones in conflict-prone areas, CoTU emphasized that the current security arrangements have only escalated tensions. The memorandum firmly states that removing the BSF and CRPF units from the valley deployed in Kuki-Zo dominated areas is a prerequisite for peace and resolution in the region.

Condemning the deployment of Central Security Forces, specifically the CRPF and BSF, from the Valley into Kangpokpi’s Kuki-Zo areas, Ng. Lun Kipgen, Spokesperson of CoTU, highlighted the ongoing disruptions caused by this deployment and called for immediate action from the central and state authorities.

“Today, we stand united at Thomas Ground to express our strong resentment against the deployment of Central Security Forces from Imphal into Kangpokpi. Since December 24 last year, our community has endured constant disruptions caused by valley-based insurgents and radical groups, robbing our people, especially women in Saibol, Twichin, and Mongneljang, of their right to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones,” Kipgen said.

He reiterated CoTU’s demand for the immediate withdrawal of these forces, stating, “We firmly urge the Centre to instruct the State to immediately withdraw these forces. In Kangpokpi, we already have a well-equipped 112 CRPF battalion stationed here. We do not require external forces to interfere in our land. This arbitrary and unilateral decision against the Kuki-Zo community cannot and will not be accepted.”

Kipgen further emphasized CoTU’s resolve to stand by the Kuki-Zo people and ensure their aspirations are met.

“If our appeal is ignored, we will not hesitate to take stronger action. This is not just a matter of policy—it is a matter of respect, autonomy, and justice for our people,” Kipgen warned, signaling the possibility of intensified protests if their demands are not addressed.

Kangpokpi plunged into chaos late in the evening as security forces reportedly unleashed brute force upon a large group of protestors, leaving several injured, including a woman and several men who are now in critical condition. The confrontation erupted after protestors accused the Superintendent of Police (SP) Kangpokpi of reneging on a critical assurance made to the CoTU leaders.

The controversy began when the SP reportedly assured the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) leaders that the central security forces from the Valley currently deployed at Saibol would be replaced within three hours by forces from Kangpokpi Police and Kangpokpi-based central units. However, as the hours passed without any action, frustration boiled over into fury.

Around 7:00 PM, angered protestors, determined to hold the SP accountable, marched towards the SP office. Their patience depleted, they attempted to seal the premises, accusing the SP of betraying his word. The situation escalated rapidly as security forces stationed inside the office responded with blank firing and tear gas, turning the area into a battleground.

In the ensuing chaos, the SP himself reportedly sustained injuries as protestors, enraged by the aggressive response of the forces, resorted to stone-pelting. The sound of gunfire and the stinging clouds of tear gas added to the already volatile atmosphere, sending shockwaves through the town.

As many as 15 protestors were injured some sustaining pellet injuries. One woman and a few other male protestors are in critical condition and referred to a higher hospital for further treatment.