The Kuki-Zo Council has called for a “total shutdown” in response to the killing of 11 individuals they refer to as “village volunteers.”
On Monday, Jiribam’s district administration in Manipur imposed a curfew after Kuki-Zo organizations announced a complete shutdown in hill areas to protest the deaths of 11 suspected militants, as reported by PTI.
In light of potential unrest, the District Magistrate (DM) issued an order banning the carrying of firearms, swords, sticks, stones, or any sharp-edged objects that could be used as offensive weapons.
Government Exemptions and Permissions
The curfew excludes government agencies, security forces involved in law enforcement, and essential service providers. Written permission will be necessary for emergencies, weddings, funerals, and other critical gatherings in the curfew-affected area.
Citing a police report, the DM warned of potential threats to peace and safety posed by “unlawful activities by anti-social elements pursuing their agendas.”
The Kuki-Zo Council stated the deceased were “village volunteers” and called for a total shutdown on Tuesday, from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, to honor the deceased and demanded a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
The Encounter
On Monday, 11 suspected militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces after insurgents, armed with advanced weapons and dressed in camouflage, attacked a police station and a nearby CRPF camp in Jiribam district. Two CRPF personnel were injured during the heavy exchange of gunfire at Borobekra, with one in critical condition.
Following this incident, fresh violence erupted in multiple areas within Imphal Valley as armed groups from opposing sides engaged in firefights.
Escalation of Violence in Manipur
Manipur has faced ongoing violence since May 3 last year, when clashes erupted between the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) and members of the Meitei community over a High Court order recommending the inclusion of Hindu Meiteis as a Scheduled Tribe (ST), though the order was later withdrawn.
The latest escalation in Jiribam follows a period of relative calm in the ethnic conflict, which has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people. Jiribam district, bordering Assam, had remained largely peaceful until the recent surge in violence.
The situation further intensified when, on November 7, a Hmar tribal woman was captured and burned alive. Two days later, militants killed a Meitei woman farmer in a paddy field in Bishnupur district. On November 11, three individuals, including a Naga, were injured in militant attacks in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts.
