Kuki-Zo mourns amid clash with security forces in Kpi
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, March 08 2025: Grief and fury swept through the Kuki-Zo community as security forces opened fire on protestors along National Highway 2, turning a "peaceful demonstration" into a bloody clash.

A young protestor, Lalgouthang Singsit, was shot dead.

The echoes of gunfire, the cries of the wounded, and the suffocating haze of tear gas lingered in the air as the protestors mourned yet another loss.

From the break of dawn, thousands of Kuki-Zo women gathered at Gamgiphai in a show of defiance against the FOCS Peace March, which they viewed as a provocation.

Kuki-Zo mourns amid clash with security forces in Kpi

The union home minister's directive for free movement from March 8 had sparked fears, leading the community to take a stand.

The protest remained peaceful until an MST bus, under heavy security escort, arrived at 11:30 AM.

As women blocked its passage, security forces launched a violent crackdown, firing tear gas, rubber bullets, pellets, and live rounds into the crowd.

More than 30 protestors were injured, as their calls for justice were met with brute force.

Despite the resistance, the MST bus was forced through Gamgiphai, only to be halted again at Keithelmanbi Military Colony, where thousands had gathered.

Enraged protestors blocked the road with stones and logs.

The confrontation escalated when demonstrators set fire to a BSF-ferrying mini-winger.

Security forces responded by firing smoke bombs, tear gas, and live rounds at the swelling crowd.

Over 17 people suffered gruesome injuries on heads, eyes, and other body parts.

Many were rushed to hospitals in Kangpokpi, while the critically wounded were transported to Guwahati and Senapati for advance care.

In the midst of the chaos, a bullet struck Lalgouthang Singsit killing him on the spot.

Security forces torched several private two-wheelers and carried out lathi charges, scattering the protestors.