Violence disrupts Manipur travel restart, bus attacked despite security measures

Guwahati: Efforts to restore free movement in ethnic strife-torn Manipur faced fierce resistance when state-run Manipur State Transport Corporation (MSTC) buses were stopped and attacked by a group of people. The violence resulted in one death and over 20 injuries.

The bus, escorted by security forces, stopped in Gamgiphai, a Kuki-dominated area in Kangpokpi District, where it was met with stone pelting and tear gas fire from police. Despite security measures, the bus was attacked again as it moved a few kilometers further and was overturned. Additionally, a security vehicle was set on fire. Security forces resorted to lathi-charge after several Kuki women tried to block the highway, with injuries reported.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive to ensure free movement across the state from March 8 is seen as a critical step in restoring normalcy. Manipur is under President's rule following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh last month.


The bus, which started from Imphal with few passengers, passed through Kuki-dominated areas where protests included road blockages, stone-throwing, burning tyres, and barricades. Despite the unrest, Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh announced the resumption of bus services from Saturday, covering four routes connecting Imphal, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur. The state government also introduced a helicopter service linking Imphal, Churachandpur, and Ukhrul.

The state government warned that anyone found obstructing the MSTC buses would face prosecution under relevant laws. Despite previous attempts to resume bus services failing due to fear and low turnout, the state remains determined to reestablish transport links.

Meanwhile, a peace rally by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a valley-based civil organization, was stopped in Sekmai due to security concerns. FOCS had planned a march from Imphal to Senapati, but Kuki-Zo groups opposed the initiative, calling for the preservation of buffer zones as a safeguard against further violence. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) expressed support for the free movement of essential goods but warned that the free movement of people would remain unfeasible without a cessation of hostilities between the warring communities.

The KZC reiterated its demand for a separate Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo community.