Guwahati: Five groups from Manipur’s Meitei and Thadou communities are working together with the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure everyone in Manipur can travel freely. These groups, including the Meitei Heritage Society and Thadou Inpi Manipur, are asking for strict actions against anyone who tries to block people’s movement, saying it’s a right everyone has.
On March 8, the Manipur government started bus services again on four routes linking five districts: Imphal, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, and Churachandpur. Although the buses had security escorts with them, some tribal activists attacked the buses in places like Kangpokpi district, sparking severe violence.
During the clashes on March 8, 43 people were hurt, including 27 security personnel. Tragically, a protester named Lalgouthang Singsit lost his life during the unrest, which involved Kuki-Zo tribal groups protesting against the bus services meant to make life easier and help restore peace in the area.
Everyone involved agreed to protect Manipur’s integrity and unity as a multi-ethnic state. They also acknowledged how important the Thadou people are for safeguarding everyone’s rights and the state’s unity. They asked the authorities to remove the confusing category of “Any Kuki Tribes (AKT)” from Manipur’s Scheduled Tribes list.
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