A section of National Highway 202, a vital lifeline connecting Imphal and Ukhrul, was found dug up on Saturday near Shangkai Kuki village. Sources indicated that the road was deliberately excavated using a JCB excavator by Kuki villagers to disrupt vehicular movement along the highway.
Attack on FCI Truck Driver
Manipur Police reported that an attack on Friday at Roudei (TM Kasom) village was allegedly carried out by armed Kuki militants positioned along the route from the Patleijang hill area. During the incident, an FCI truck driver, identified as Nitish Kumar (57) of Hooghly district, West Bengal, sustained critical gunshot injuries and died on the spot. A police personnel attached to Litan Police Station also suffered a bullet injury.
Protests by Truck Drivers
Following the killing of the FCI truck driver during the armed attack at TM Kasom under Litan Police Station on May 29, truck drivers launched a protest demanding adequate security for safe transportation. As part of the protest, drivers stated they will stay away from the steering wheel and temporarily suspend the plying of vehicles until proper security and safety arrangements are put in place. They cited concerns over the safety of drivers transporting essential goods through vulnerable routes.
Nationwide Rally by Kuki Groups
Separately, various civil society organisations under the Kuki Inpi Manipur organised a nationwide rally from 12 noon in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas across India. The rally protested against what they termed as the ongoing persecution and targeted victimisation of the community. In Churachandpur, the rally spearheaded by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) began at 12 noon from Koite village Playground and Sielmat play ground, proceeding towards the Tuibong peace ground. Protesters shouted slogans calling for justice for three Kuki pastors killed in ambushes, the release of 14 Kukis abducted by miscreants, and justice over other alleged abuses.
Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) stated that the rally was organised in protest against the failure of authorities to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators involved in the brutal killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders: Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun, and Pastor Paogoulen.
