A massive protest broke out in Kangpokpi yesterday, as hundreds of Kuki-Zo people took to the streets demanding the release of three volunteers arrested by a joint team of state security forces.
The arrests were made in L. Hengjol village on Sunday, with the security forces allegedly recovering advanced weapons and various items from the trio. However, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes in Manipur, has claimed that the arrests were unjustified and has called for a 12-hour shutdown across all Kuki-Zo dominated districts in the state.
Protesters marched to the Superintendent of Police office in Kangpokpi district, demanding the immediate release of the arrested individuals. The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights has also alleged that personnel of the Assam Rifles had assaulted women from Phaitol village during their operations on the border along Jiribam and Tamenglong districts on Saturday.
The situation remains tense in the region, with security forces deployed to maintain law and order. The KIM has vowed to continue their agitation until the arrested volunteers are released and their demands are met.
