Since midnight on March 8, Kuki groups have enforced an indefinite closure that has left more than 300 vehicles trapped in Senapati district, Manipur, according to police. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) called for the shutdown in protest of the purported security forces’ attack on protesters who were against the Center’s “free movement” policy throughout the state.
According to Senapati District Police, till 5 p.m. on Monday, 304 loaded trucks, 13 loaded oil tankers, 4 buses, 3 mini-buses (wings), and 4 pickup trucks (DI) were stuck along the Imphal-Mao sector of National Highway 2 between Hengbung and Tumuyon Khullen. According to authorities, the majority of these cars with a few exceptions have been stranded since the violence started on March 8.
According to the stranded drivers, they are having trouble getting to restrooms. They pleaded with the relevant authorities to let them transport their trucks as soon as possible because some of them are carrying necessities like rice, potatoes, onions, lentils, and other items that may spoil if they are delayed any longer.
With the help of the Tumuyon Khullen police outpost staff, the Senapati police, Senapati District Truck Owners’ Association, Senapati District Truck Drivers’ Union, and Manipur Drivers’ Association distributed water to the stranded drivers and their assistants on Sunday.
The KZC has been calling for a judicial investigation into the March 8 event in Kangpokpi district, which resulted in one fatality and 43 injuries, including 27 security personnel, as well as the withdrawal of the directive on the “free movement” project. Normal life was severely disrupted for the second day on Monday due to the closure, which was supported by the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum based in Churachandpur, especially in the districts of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.