The shutdown comes amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, with the committee demanding an independent investigation into the attacks, protection from neutral central security forces and a probe into the supply of weapons to armed groups.
The Kuki CSO Working Committee announced the highway shutdown in response to the violence in Kamjong district. The attacks reportedly resulted in the death of one Kuki civilian, injuries to several people and the burning of between 15 and 30 homes.
The committee has called for an independent probe to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks. It has also demanded the deployment of neutral central forces to protect civilians and an investigation into how weapons are being supplied to armed groups.
Separately, clashes in the region have left Tangkhul Nagas injured and involved Meiteis, highlighting the continuing tensions between communities in Manipur. The incidents have unfolded against the backdrop of an ethnic conflict that has displaced tens of thousands of people.
Security forces have been deployed amid the unrest. In a separate administrative development, the state government has replaced the local police chief as tensions continue.
The four-day shutdown of National Highway 202 is intended to press the committee’s demands following the deadly attacks. The situation remains significant for civilian safety, movement along the highway and efforts to investigate the violence as ethnic tensions continue across Manipur.
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