8 March 2025: Rioters in large numbers derailed the Union Home Minister’s directives and the subsequent government efforts for free movement without obstruction through violent intervention in the Kuki-dominated area.
Earlier, the Union Home Minister had reportedly stated to take strict action against any move to obstruct. However, on day one itself, an empty bus of MSRTC and one winger were burned down by the rioters while commuting.
Many anti-free movement groups gathered to sabotage the government effort in Kangpokpi, and security forces also resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse them. Along NH-2, the rioters set the streets on fire and also threw boulders on the road to barricade it.
Due to the volatile situation in the Kangpokpi area along NH-2, the Peace Tour spearheaded by valley-based CSO FOCS was also intervened at Sekmai by security forces, asking them not to proceed due to the volatile situation in Kangpokpi. The FOCS President expressed disappointment over the failed directives for ensuring security and safety for commuters and raised apprehension about valley safety with such hostility shown on the highways.
Meanwhile, a heavily armed Kuki group with sophisticated weapons in combat fatigue, who identified themselves as ‘Village Volunteers Eastern Zone’ (VV Eastern Zone), has re-issued threats against free movement without obstructions in Kuki-inhabited areas.
The videos have now raised several questions on the Union Home Minister’s push for obstruction-free movement and the governor’s efforts to surrender illegally held weapons for the restoration of peace in the conflict-torn state.
