A delegation of six Naga MLAs from Manipur met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Thursday to discuss the impact of the ongoing total shutdown imposed by Kuki-Zo groups.
The MLAs—Awangbow Newmai, Khashim Vashum, Losii Dikho, Leishiyo Keishing, J Kumo Sha, and Janghemlung Panmei—expressed concerns over the hardships faced by the public due to the indefinite blockade on Manipur’s national highways since March 8.
“Discussing issues faced by the people, they assured their cooperation in fostering peace and expressed confidence in the State’s return to normalcy under the Governor’s leadership,” the Raj Bhavan, Manipur, stated in a post on X.
The meeting came a day after the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) condemned the shutdown, urging the government to lift it within 24 hours to prevent further unrest. The NPO highlighted the severe difficulties faced by residents, particularly Nagas, due to disruptions in daily life, livelihoods, and access to essential services. Apart from issuing an ultimatum, the organization also called for legal action against those enforcing the blockade.
Kuki-Zo Council lifts indefinite shutdown, opposes free movement policy
The Kuki-Zo Council has lifted the indefinite total shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, effective 7:30 PM on March 13, 2025.
The decision was made after the body of Lalgouthang Singsit (30) was laid to rest at the Kuki-Zo Martyr Cemetery in Phaijang village, Kangpokpi district, on Thursday. The Council had launched the agitation following Singsit’s killing by central forces on March 8 during a clash over the enforcement of the Union Government’s Free Movement policy in Manipur.
However, while the shutdown has been lifted, the Council reaffirmed its opposition to the Free Movement policy initiated by the Union Home Minister on the national highways passing through the state.
The Kuki-Zo Council argues that the policy undermines the justice process for establishing a separate political administration to ensure justice, peace, and progress for the Kuki-Zo people.
During the shutdown, commercial vehicles on NH-102 passing through Kangpokpi district came to a standstill, although goods-laden trucks continued moving under strict security along NH-37, connecting Imphal and Silchar. The Kuki-Zo outfits have also been restricting the movement of Meiteis on highways passing through Kuki-Zo areas.
