On March 10, a Kuki-Zo organisation has urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) to recognise the discrimination faced by their community in Manipur, following a violent crackdown on protesters in Kangpokpi on Saturday (March 8). The clashes erupted in response to the Union’s decision to restore free movement in the state by resuming bus services without first addressing the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence left one protester dead and over 40 others injured.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) released a statement on Saturday night, calling on UNHCHR chief Volker Turk to take note of the “gross violation of human rights” against the minority Kuki-Zo people, who they claim are being targeted based on their ethnicity and religion. Their appeal follows Turk’s March 3 address at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, where he expressed concern over shrinking civic space in India, including the use of restrictive laws against journalists and human rights defenders. On Manipur, he urged greater efforts to curb violence and displacement through dialogue, peace-building, and a human rights-centric approach.

The union had swiftly dismissed Turk’s remarks as “unfounded and baseless.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Arindam Bagchi, responded by urging a “better understanding of India and our civilisational ethos of diversity and openness.”

In protest against the government’s decision to enforce free movement, the Kuki-Zo Council called for an indefinite shutdown across Kuki-Zo-dominated districts on Sunday. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and other Kuki-Zo organisations backed the shutdown, condemning what they saw as the Union’s unilateral move that disregarded the risks of further violence.

The unrest escalated when the Manipur State Transport, acting on the Union’s directive, resumed bus services on March 8, deploying two state-run buses—one on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route and another on the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur route—under the protection of Central Armed Police Forces. Opposing the move, Kuki-Zo demonstrators set up barricades on a national highway using boulders and burning tyres. When a bus entered Kangpokpi, protesters allegedly attempted to block its movement by pelting stones, leading to a confrontation. Security forces responded with force, resulting in clashes that left one person dead and dozens injured.

The ITLF identified the deceased as Lalgouthang Singsit and paid tribute to him, calling his death a “sacrifice” for the Kuki-Zo cause. “We extend our deepest respects to Mr. Lalgouthang Singsit, who gave his life, and to everyone who suffered injuries,” the organisation said in a statement, as per multiple media organisations. “We honour all who stood up for our people.”

With tensions high and the Kuki-Zo community determined to resist what they see as an imposed government policy, Manipur remains on edge. The demand for a political resolution before restoring free movement continues to be at the Union of the community’s resistance, even as authorities push ahead with their plans.

Timeline of events in Manipur

• March 1: Home Minister Amit Shah directs authorities to ensure “free movement” on all roads in Manipur from March 8.
• March 4: Kuki organisations reject Shah’s directive, stating they will not allow the movement of Meiteis through their areas until their demand for a “separate administration” is met.
• March 6: Security forces launch an operation to clear “obstructions” along NH-2 in Kuki-dominated areas, dismantling bunkers set up by Kuki “village volunteers.”
• March 8: Clashes erupt as Kuki protesters block buses and resist the enforcement of “free movement.” Security forces crack down, resulting in the death of one protester and injuries to 43 others.
• March 9: In response to the violence, an indefinite shutdown is imposed across Kuki-Zo-dominated districts.

March 1: Trigger of the protest

The trigger of these protests, which began on March 8 and are still continuing, was a high-level security review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 1 in New Delhi, where the government decided to implement free movement across all roads in Manipur, including major national highways like Dimapur-Imphal-Moreh and Imphal-Silchar via Jiribam, from March 8. To facilitate this, the Manipur government, under heavy security, launched Manipur State Transport (MST) bus and helicopter services from the same date.

Commenting on the situation, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi stated that while Manipur’s people welcomed the Union’s initiative for free movement, the timing of its implementation was flawed. He criticised the government for failing to consult both communities before enforcing the directive and urged a step-by-step approach instead. Ibobi also called on the Kuki community to reconsider the shutdown, arguing that it was not a viable solution.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam defended the Union’s decision, stating that the initiative was not a failure but rather a matter of timing. He emphasised that the move represented progress toward restoring peace in Manipur and asserted that blocking highways violated Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.

In addition to this, Home Minister Amit Shah had also firmly stated that the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a separate administration under Union Territory status in tribal-majority districts of Manipur is non-negotiable. During a recent security review meeting, Shah instructed officials to reject this demand outright. He also directed strict action against armed members of groups that had signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Union if they were seen carrying weapons in public.

Moreover, Shah ordered the police to closely monitor the movement of individuals between Manipur and Myanmar to prevent overstays beyond the one-week limit set by the Inner Line Permit (ILP). He also directed state authorities to restore all damaged places of worship—including temples, churches, and mosques—as part of efforts to rebuild trust and maintain communal harmony in the violence-stricken state.

Following these directives, Governor A.K. Bhalla held a follow-up meeting with Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, security adviser Kuldiep Singh, and paramilitary officials. The Governor reiterated the Home Minister’s instructions and called for immediate implementation.

March 1: Kukis demand separate administration before free movement

Kuki organisations have reiterated their demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature, insisting that a resolution must be reached before allowing Meiteis to move through Kuki-dominated areas.

On Saturday, March 1, the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum Delhi and NCR staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, where scores of Kuki-Zo tribe members gathered, declaring that they could not return to Manipur until the crisis in the state was resolved. Protesters carried placards denouncing former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, calling his resignation a mere “smokescreen” and holding him responsible for the current turmoil in Manipur.

In a statement issued at the protest site, the demonstrators emphasised that the Kuki-Zo community has long endured historical injustices and demanded an urgent political solution. The statement, copies of which were to be sent to the Prime Minister and Home Minister as a charter of demands, underscored that despite being an integral part of the Indian Union, the Kuki-Zo people have faced systemic marginalisation and exclusion from governance in Manipur.

“The present administrative machinery in Manipur has utterly failed to protect our lives and address our grievances, aspirations, and rights,” the statement asserted, arguing that a separate administration is the only viable path for the emancipation of the Kuki-Zo people.

Key demands raised at the demonstration included:

• Creation of a separate Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.
• Formation of a committee to prepare a roadmap for the proposed separate administration.
• Protection of Kuki-Zo rights and interests, including land rights, cultural heritage, and linguistic identity.

The protesters maintained that without these assurances, they would remain displaced and unable to return to their homeland.

Kuki Inpi rejects free movement initiative, demands political resolution

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has reaffirmed its firm opposition to the Government’s “free movement” initiative, declaring that until a satisfactory political resolution is reached, the Kuki-Zo community must remain resolute against any government action that threatens their rights and interests. In a statement issued today, KIM emphasised that the initiative “poses a serious threat to the delicate balance and order that currently exists.”

The implementation of the policy was met with fierce resistance on March 8, particularly in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and other Kuki-Zo-dominated areas. Protesters blocked roads with boulders and debris, while clashes with security forces escalated as stones were hurled at personnel attempting to enforce the directive. The confrontation resulted in the death of Lalgouthang Singsit and left many others, including women, injured.

KIM condemned the government’s approach, stating that allowing Meiteis unrestricted access to Kuki-Zo areas would only exacerbate tensions. “Until a comprehensive political solution is reached—one that ensures lasting peace and respects the aspirations of the Kuki-Zo community—the Kuki Inpi cannot accept this policy, which appears to be designed for temporary peace rather than a genuine resolution,” the statement read.

KIM further urged the Union to adopt a more proactive and justice-driven approach to resolving the crisis, addressing the root causes of the conflict and acknowledging the unique grievances of the Kuki-Zo people, who have suffered immensely due to the ongoing ethnic violence.

“As we mourn the loss of Lalgouthang Singsit, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. The Kuki-Zo community must stand united and unwavering against any governmental measures that undermine their rights and dignity,” KIM asserted.

March 8: Violent clashes in Manipur over free movement of vehicles

On Saturday, tensions flared in Manipur as security forces clashed with protesters attempting to block the passage of a bus from the Meitei-majority valley through Kangpokpi. The confrontation resulted in the death of one protester and injuries to several others. This violence followed a directive from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, mandating the free movement of vehicles on all highways in the state. In line with this order, Chief Secretary P.K. Singh flagged off two buses from Imphal Airport to Churachandpur and Senapati, escorted by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). However, officials reported that the Senapati-bound bus remains stranded in Kangpokpi.

Protests erupted in the Gamgiphai area of Kangpokpi when demonstrators, primarily from the Kuki-Zo community, blocked National Highway-2 (NH-2) by cutting down trees and throwing stones. Security forces intervened, leading to violent clashes in which one Kuki protester was killed and 43 others, including security personnel, sustained injuries. Manipur Police confirmed that among the injured were 27 security personnel, with two in critical condition. This marks the first fatality since the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. Despite the unrest, authorities stated that buses travelling along the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur route faced no significant disruptions.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a key organisation representing the Kuki-Zo community, strongly condemned the security forces’ actions in Kangpokpi. In a statement, the ITLF criticised the government’s decision to enforce free movement through Kuki-Zo areas without prior political resolution, arguing that it provoked resistance. The forum endorsed an indefinite shutdown called by the Kuki-Zo Council, urging widespread adherence to the protest. Another Kuki-Zo organisation, KOHUR, alleged that security personnel used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, some of whom were reportedly singing the Indian national anthem while holding the national flag.

Tensions have been escalating since the government’s announcement on March 1, during a security review meeting chaired by Amit Shah, to ensure unrestricted movement on highways. Kuki-Zo organisations have opposed this move, demanding Union Territory status for their areas before allowing free movement between the hills and the valley. On Saturday, protesters escalated their demonstrations by allegedly pelting stones, using catapults, and blocking the roads with boulders, felled trees, and burning tyres. Clashes intensified when shots were reportedly fired from within the protesting crowd, prompting security forces to retaliate. In the ensuing violence, 16 protesters were injured, and two security vehicles were set on fire.

As per multiple media reports, the unrest also impacted a peace march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation, which was halted by security forces at Sekmai before reaching Kangpokpi. Meanwhile, a Manipur State Transport bus en route to Senapati was unable to proceed past Keithelmanbi, approximately 5 km from Kangpokpi district headquarters, due to roadblocks and renewed clashes. As the situation escalated, protesters torched a Border Security Force (BSF) vehicle, prompting further retaliation from security personnel.

In response to the unrest, a large deployment of security forces, including both Union and state personnel, has been stationed in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl, and Jiribam districts. Senior officials are closely monitoring the situation, though authorities reported no major incidents on Sunday. However, the indefinite shutdown called by Kuki-Zo groups has severely impacted daily life in Kangpokpi and partially affected other Kuki-Zo-dominated districts. Activists and volunteers have erected blockades on key highways, while businesses and markets remain closed in protest against the government’s decision.

The situation remains volatile as tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continue to fuel unrest in the region.

March 8: Crackdown on Kuki-Zo women protesters sparks outrage

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Sadar Hills, has strongly condemned the alleged security forces’ crackdown on “unarmed Kuki-Zo women” protesting in Kangpokpi District on International Women’s Day.

According to the organisation, security personnel forcibly dispersed demonstrators at Gamgiphai and Keithelmanbi Military Colony, resorting to lathi charges and firing rubber bullets against protesters opposing the government’s decision to reopen roads in the conflict-ridden region. The violence left over 70 women injured, with 31 sustaining serious wounds. The situation escalated further when 30-year-old protester Lalgouthang Singsit tragically lost his life during the clash.

KWOHR asserted that the protest was a response to the ongoing persecution of the Kuki-Zo community, citing widespread incidents of rape, torture, and violence over the past 22 months. The demonstrators also sought to challenge what they perceive as a unilateral decision by Governor Ajay Bhalla and Home Minister Amit Shah to forcibly open roads without addressing the security concerns of the Kuki-Zo people.

The organisation accused security forces of disproportionately targeting Kuki-Zo civilians while overlooking their suffering. It highlighted the community’s isolation from essential services—including hospitals, airports, and educational institutions—since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023.

“Is this the peace we are expected to embrace under President’s Rule?” KWOHR questioned, criticising the government’s approach to restoring normalcy. The organisation further challenged the authorities to ensure true democratic dialogue by engaging all stakeholders, including the Kuki-Zo community, rather than consulting only Meitei organisations.

Raising concerns over the government’s push for free movement, KWOHR questioned whether it genuinely served all communities or was designed to benefit valley residents at the expense of the hill population. “Is free movement meant only for the Meiteis while the Kuki-Zo people remain cut off from vital resources?” the organisation asked.

KWOHR has demanded accountability for the excessive use of force, calling for an immediate investigation into the actions of security personnel responsible for the fatal shooting and the violent suppression of peaceful protests.

March 9: Kuki-Zo groups intensify protests amid indefinite shutdown in Manipur

Kuki-dominated areas in Manipur remained tense on Sunday as agitators continued to enforce an indefinite shutdown in protest against the Union’s directive to restore free movement on highways. The shutdown, called by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), brought normal life to a standstill across Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, and Pherzawl districts, with major roads blocked and businesses shuttered.

In Kangpokpi district, reports emerged of security forces clashing with Kuki-Zo protesters attempting to block roads at several locations. While it remains unclear whether there were further injuries, tensions ran high as demonstrators also enforced shutdowns in other Kuki-dominated regions. PTI reported that in Churachandpur and Tengnoupal, protesters set tyres ablaze and erected boulders to obstruct roads, prompting security personnel to intervene and clear the blockades. Few vehicles were seen plying the roads, and agitators urged residents to stay indoors.

Amid mounting anger, Kuki-Zo groups are expected to intensify their demonstrations, demanding the immediate removal of Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police Manoj Prabhakar. At Kangpokpi District Hospital, Kuki-Zo women gathered to mourn the death of the young protester, whose body remains in the morgue. Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), condemned the alleged brutality of security forces and urged the Governor of Manipur to dismiss the SP.

The indefinite shutdown, which began at midnight on Saturday, has effectively halted the government’s efforts to restore free movement across the state. As tensions continue to rise, the impasse between the Kuki-Zo community and the Union underscores the urgent need for a political resolution to address the grievances of the tribal groups and restore lasting peace in Manipur.

Related:

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigns amid political turmoil and ethnic unrest

Supreme Court seeks forensic report on audio recordings alleging Manipur CM’s role in ethnic violence

Divided & strife-torn Manipur: intensified violence, abdication by state & union governments, demands of accountability from BJP MLAs

Fresh violence grips Manipur: Clashes in Jiribam and widespread protests after rape and brutal killings

The post Manipur tensions escalate over free movement policy: Kuki-Zo resistance and government crackdown appeared first on SabrangIndia.

As per a report in the Imphal Times, ML has particularly criticised Babloo’s stance on sheltering illegal immigrants, referencing a letter he had sent to a human rights organisation advocating for their protection. According to ML, this stance undermines the Meitei community’s interests. ML had previously directed Babloo to avoid public involvement or advocacy concerning the ongoing conflict in the state.

A local source from Imphal in touch with SabrangIndia has reported that on the morning of September 23, a group of at least 50 individuals affiliated with ML visited Babloo’s residence and issued threats to his family. In an open display of impunity, they warned the family that if Babloo makes any further public statements, they would face serious consequences.

Key accusations and statements by Meitei Leepun during the press conference:

Addressing the media, Yumlembam Prabinchandra, Tenggol Puba of Kakching, alleged that human rights activist Babloo was involved in harbouring the commander of the Women’s Wing of the People’s Defence Force (PDF) from Myanmar in 2023, prior to the beginning of the ethnic conflict in Manipur. The commander was reportedly given refuge in Imphal, where she was involved in monitoring local developments. ML claimed that Babloo facilitated her accommodation and travel, which they believe further escalated tensions.

ML also condemned Babloo for making what they described as inflammatory remarks, such as accusing the Meitei people of instigating the current conflict and alleging that there are no churches in the valley regions. They called on him to cease making such claims, which they argue are harmful to the community. Additionally, as per the report in the Imphal Times, ML accused Babloo, alongside the PDF Women’s Wing commander, of seeking assistance from the United Nations. They further claimed that Babloo has since received asylum in the United States, facilitated by a relative of a former Chief Minister of Manipur and the son of a former MLA, who is a lawyer. ML asserted that they have detailed information about these connections.

Furthermore, during the press meet, ML urged the public to distance themselves from Babloo, cautioning that they would not be held responsible for any repercussions. They also claimed to have evidence of financial dealings between Babloo and the Kuki community, which they plan to expose at a later stage.

In addition, ML criticised a Meitei advocate who had filed a case against the community in the Supreme Court. They alleged that this advocate had travelled to a European country and Vatican City, where the Kuki community had organised meetings with church leaders and NGOs to secure foreign funding. ML claimed that these funds were being used to purchase drone bombs and issued a warning to the advocate to stop such activities.

ML also expressed concern over an upcoming peace initiative being organised by the Manipur Meitei Association in Bangalore in collaboration with the Kuki community. The conference reportedly accuses the Meitei of committing genocide and blames them for starting the conflict. ML called for the immediate cancellation of the event, alleging that foreign funds from churches and NGOs were being used to organise it. They questioned how someone working against their own community could claim to represent it.

Furthermore, ML highlighted that foreign funding for NGOs in Kuki-majority areas like Churachandpur and Kangpokpi had been blocked by the Indian government. However, they accused NGOs in the valley of working with the Kuki community to funnel foreign funds, urging an end to such actions.

Concluding the press conference, ML called on all individuals involved in these activities to stop immediately, warning of further exposures and consequences.

Another observer of recent events, speaking to SabrangIndia on request of anonymity has, however, strongly refuted the allegations against Babloo Loitongbam. They clarified that the claim of Babloo harbouring the commander of the Women’s Wing of the PDF from Myanmar is false; the individual in question was a Norwegian woman who had overstayed her visa and sought legal assistance to return to her country. The source affirmed that Babloo had helped her with this process and labelled the allegations as unfounded. Additionally, claims from ML that Babloo was raising funds for Kuki groups and was in contact with organizations in Bangalore were also dismissed as baseless. The source suggested that ML’s primary motive for targeting Babloo is to silence him from speaking up on human rights violations occurring in Manipur. When asked about law enforcement’s response to the threats from ML, the source noted that authorities had not even investigated the vandalism of Babloo’s property in October 2023, raising doubts about any action they might take against ML given the current breakdown of law enforcement and the complete absence of accountability by the Manipur state government and law enforcement authorities.

Babloo Loitongbam’s advocacy against Manipur violence despite facing attacks and threats:

Babloo Loitongbam, a prominent human rights defender and lawyer from Manipur, India, serves as the director of Human Rights Alert, an organisation dedicated to monitoring, investigating, and reporting human rights violations, including attacks on human rights defenders. Over the years, Babloo has been a key advocate for victims of persecution and has provided crucial support to human rights defenders facing reprisals. He is known for his outspoken criticism of state policies that discriminate against local communities in Manipur and across other north-eastern states of India.

For the past 16 months, ethnic violence has ravaged Manipur, a state of around 2.85 million people. The conflict has claimed 235 lives, left thousands wounded, and displaced hundreds of thousands. What started as a clash between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kuki groups has now deepened into bitter, seemingly irreparable divisions within Manipuri society.

Since the beginning of the ethnic violence in Manipur, Babloo has received threats for all this advocacy and work to address the violence in Manipur. Babloo has consistently condemned the escalating violence and held the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government responsible for its handling of the crisis. He has also been raising alarms over the influence of radical groups in the state. Babloo Loitongbam had also spoken publicly about the emergence of certain groups such as Meiiti Leepun in the state, comparing them to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the ideological arm of the ruling BJP party. He spoke about the increasing far-right ideology being instilled in the Meitei community by these groups, and about how they have been responsible for attacks against minority communities, including the dismantling of churches across the state, since the violence began. He also publicly demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Biren Singh for not taking adequate actions to contain the violence in the state.

On October 5, shortly after Meitei Leepun’s call to boycott him, Babloo’s home in Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai, Imphal West, was attacked by approximately 30 unidentified individuals who arrived in two vehicles. They vandalised his property around 6 p.m., while Babloo was reportedly out of town at the time of the attack. Meitei Leepun also announced a boycott against former additional superintendent of police Thounaojam Brinda, preventing her from making public statements until the unrest in Manipur is resolved.

After the attack and vandalism, the United Nations Human Rights Council had expressed serious concern over the threats made against Babloo by Meitei groups, including Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tengol. The UN urged Indian authorities to protect Babloo, his family, and his home, and to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are held accountable. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the UN Human Rights office had emphasised their alarm over the threats and demanded immediate protection for Babloo.

Earlier to the attack on his property, in July 2023, Babloo Loitongbam had represented the Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association (EEVFAM) and Human Rights Alert (HRA) at the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva. His presentation brought attention to the ongoing human rights abuses in Manipur, particularly commemorating the 20^th anniversary of Anti-Repression Day, which protests against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Babloo criticised the continued use of AFSPA, remarking that even when substantial prosecutable evidence is presented by India’s leading investigative agency, the Union Home Ministry consistently denies prosecution approval.

In his address, Babloo had also highlighted the deadly violence in Manipur that had begun in May 2023 and is yet to be brought under control. (Details on recent bouts of violence can be read here, here, here and here) As per the report of India Today NE, Babloo had further condemned the government’s inadequate response, noting, “The indifference of the armed forces actively increased the civilian death toll and escalated cycles of raids and counter-raids on the civilian population.” Babloo urged the UN committee to declare AFSPA incompatible with international human rights standards, both in law and practice, and to recommend actions aligned with India’s international legal obligations.

He emphasised the ongoing human rights violations in Manipur, stating, “The basic rights of Manipur’s citizens—regardless of their gender, age, religion, or ethnicity—have been stripped away, as the Indian government systematically abdicated its Responsibility to protect the population.”

Through his UN briefing, Babloo had brought much-needed international attention to the crisis in Manipur, pushing for accountability and action to address the escalating human rights abuses in the region.

Meitei Leepun, its radical leader and his growing threat in Manipur

M. Pramot Singh, the leader of Meitei Leepun, has become a feared yet “revered figure” among a large section of the Meitei community. Many view him as a demagogue, influencing Meitei youth with his considerable following. Singh’s supporters guard him closely at his fortified office atop Meitei Langhol Hill in Imphal, where he keeps a loaded gun nearby and occasionally issues commands via a wireless set.

Singh is deemed to one of the most polarising figures in Manipur, with Kukis accusing him of inciting violence. The Kukis allege that Singh’s cadres are embedded within the Manipur police force. Additionally, concerns have been raised about his close ties with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Despite the controversy, Meitei Leepun has gained a large and armed following. According to Singh, over a thousand members of his group are trained in weaponry, and he refers to them as “lallois,” a term rooted in Manipur’s warrior traditions. Singh claims to have more than 1,000 lallois and around 14,000 “paojellois” in Imphal, who act as evangelists spreading his message. He notes that their numbers continue to grow.

As per his interview with The Week in August 2023, Singh had asserted that the Meiteis are the true indigenous people of Manipur and views the ongoing conflict as inevitable. He had argued in the interview that Manipur represents unity in diversity and emphasises that the Meitei community has historically been welcoming to outsiders, including the Kukis, who he claims are not native to the region. Singh’s primary concern, however, was that the continued influx of Chin Kukis crossing the India-Myanmar border and settling in the hills before allegedly infiltrating the valley. He criticises the government and Army for failing to address this illegal migration, which he says has led to lawlessness and extortion by alleged Kuki militants.

Singh framed the Meitei people as warriors, following the legacy of their ancestors who defended the land for millennia. He advocates for the revival of the lallup-kaba system, an ancient practice that required Meitei men to serve in the army or work in distant lands. The British had abolished this system, labelling it as forced labour, but Singh and his movement now view it as essential to protecting Meitei land. For Singh, Meitei Leepun is a movement united in this cause.

Related:

Manipur plunges into deeper turmoil amid fresh violence and drone attacks since early September

Mob fury: Manipur HRD, Babloo Loitongbam’s home attacked in Imphal

Manipur on Edge: Violent Clashes Erupt on the day following Kuki-Zo Protests Demanding Separate Administration, action against state CM based on leaked tapes

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