More than 300 vehicles have been stranded in Senapati district, Manipur, following an indefinite shutdown called by Kuki organisations since midnight on March 8, authorities said. The shutdown, led by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), was called in protest against the alleged crackdown by security forces on demonstrators opposing the Centre’s “free movement” directive in the state.
As of Monday afternoon, a total of 304 loaded trucks, 13 oil tankers, 4 buses, 3 mini-buses, and 4 pickup trucks remained stranded between Hengbung and Tumuyon Khullen along the Imphal-Mao sector of National Highway 2, according to Senapati District Police. Most of these vehicles have been stuck since March 8, when violence erupted during the protests.
Drivers of the stranded vehicles have reported facing severe difficulties, particularly in accessing bathroom facilities. Many have appealed to the authorities to allow them to resume their journeys, highlighting the urgency as some trucks are loaded with perishable goods such as onions, rice, pulses, and potatoes, which could spoil if delayed further.
In response to the crisis, the Senapati District Truck Owners’ Association, Senapati District Truck Drivers’ Union, and the Manipur Drivers’ Association, in coordination with Senapati police and Tumuyon Khullen police outpost personnel, have been distributing water to the stranded drivers and their assistants.
The KZC’s protest is focused on the revocation of the “free movement” directive, and a judicial inquiry into the violent incident on March 8 in Kangpokpi district, which resulted in one fatality and 43 injuries, including 27 security personnel.
The shutdown, which has been supported by the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum based in Churachandpur, has led to widespread disruption of normal life in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts for the second consecutive day, as protests continue.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times)