Normal life affected in Manipur's Kangpokpi district during 48-hour shutdown
A tribal organisation called for the strike to protest the death of a woman during a gunfight on Thursday.
Normal life was partially disrupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday as the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) observed a 48-hour shutdown. According to reports from Hindustan Times, The Hindu, and Deccan Herald, the strike began at midnight on November 12 following a gunfight near Taphou Kuki village on Thursday morning.
The confrontation between rival groups resulted in the death of a 42-year-old Kuki woman and left two men injured. The incident occurred around 11:00 am on Thursday in an area near Taphou Kuki village and Kailengjang in the neighbouring Senapati district.
During the shutdown, markets and business establishments closed, while buses and autorickshaws remained off the roads. Commuters faced difficulties as travel was blocked along National Highway-2, with goods trucks and fuel tankers stopped at Kanglatongbi in Imphal West and vehicles heading toward the state capital blocked at Senapati district.
COTU executive member Lamminlun Singsit alleged that security arrangements under the Senapati superintendent of police failed to protect people. The organisation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of security forces operating under the Senapati SP from Kangpokpi district.
Singsit stated that educational institutions, medical services, and emergency services are exempt from the shutdown. A senior police officer told Hindustan Times that security measures are being taken to prevent further violence despite some supporters being on the streets.