Tragedy unfolded in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on March 8 as Lalgouthang Singsit lost his life during a clash with security personnel, allegedly over the Union Home Minister’s free movement directive. The grieving community refused to claim his body, demanding the cancellation of the policy and a probe into the actions of the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police. After five days, community leaders agreed to proceed with the funeral, and thousands of mourners attended the service at Singsit’s Keithelmanbi residence, where local MLA Nemcha Kipgen and representatives from various tribal organizations paid their respects.
The funeral procession, marked by hymns and prayers, was led by a coffin rally through the streets to the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phaijang, where a gun salute was performed by the Village Volunteers before the body was laid to rest. The Kuki-Zo Council held a late-night meeting at the Kangpokpi District Headquarters to discuss the ongoing total shutdown in the Kuki-Zo areas, which was triggered by the free movement directive.
The crisis unfolded when protesters in Kangpokpi clashed with security personnel, leaving one person dead and 16 injured. The Manipur State Government responded by initiating state-run bus services under security escort from March 8, with success along the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur and Churachandpur-Bishnupur-Imphal routes. However, the service faced violent resistance when a bus operating along the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route was targeted by a large mob at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi District.
The furious crowd hurled stones at the bus, prompting security forces to use tear gas and minimal force to disperse the crowd. Further, protesters set up roadblocks, using felled trees, large stones, and burning tires to disrupt the movement of buses and security personnel. The situation escalated as armed miscreants opened fire at the security forces, prompting retaliation. A total of 27 security personnel sustained injuries, including two critically wounded officers, who were treated with maximum caution to avoid inflaming the situation.
The violence highlights the deep-seated concerns and mistrust among the Kuki-Zo community over the free movement directive, which they feel undermines their autonomy and identity. As the protests and shutdowns continue, the government’s efforts to restore normalcy and alleviate public inconvenience have been met with resistance. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and sensitivities involved in addressing the demands of diverse communities in a fragile state like Manipur.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-kuki-zo-community-bids-farewell-to-lalgouthang-singsit-day-after-claiming-body-1183720-2025-03-13?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-13 23:54:00
