Kukis block students from attending school

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 3: Many students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Leimakhong coming from Kanto Sabal side were stopped by some Kukis at Ex-Servicemen Colony today. There they were told that they would not be allowed to go beyond.
As news of Kukis blocking the path of school students spread, a tense situation erupted in the area.
Even as officials concerned of the Red Shield Division came out and talked with villagers, no concrete solution could be achieved.
Students from Kanto Sabal, Pheidinga and surrounding villages studying in KV Leimakhong were stopped by some Kukis at Ex-Servicemen Colony, Leimakhong at around 7.30 am today. The Kukis did not let the students move past them to their school.
On seeing the scene, some Meitei villagers and Central forces personnel who were present nearby informed about the situation to parents and guardians.
Apart from the students, the Kuki miscreants declared that non-Kuki individuals working at Leimakhong should not come there.
After the students turned back and came home, parents and guardians belonging to the Meitei, Naga and Nepali communities came there and protested against blocking the passage of students.
On learning that a large number of people were gathering at Kanto Sabal, concerned officers of the Red Shield Division came there and talked with the villagers at around 11.20 am.
The military officers reportedly told the villagers to lift the blockade being imposed by Nagas and Meiteis against the Kukis. But it only resulted in a tense argument between the two sides.
At the same time, officers of the Red Shield Division assured that the Kuki miscreants would not be allowed to block the path of students from tomorrow and they will take responsibility for the safe movement of students to and from the school.
When the villagers insisted on the same assurance in black and white, the military officers turned away and left the place saying that they will fulfil their assurance.
One Ruth Thiumai said that Nagas and Meiteis have been imposing a blockade against Kukis demanding justice for the six innocent Nagas who were butchered by Kukis in the most barbaric manner.
“Instead of paying any attention to our demand, the Government has been only asking to lift the blockade. Such an approach of the Government has only emboldened the Kukis and given them a free rein”, Ruth said.
The blockade will go away on its own once justice is delivered, she added.
Condemning the Kukis’ act of victimising young, innocent students, Ruth asserted that the blockade will continue until justice is delivered.
Apunba Manipur Ema president Thongam Inaocha  said that the Kukis’ act of preventing students from attending classes is a direct affront to all indigenous people.
The authorities must see that the students are not victimised and their education is not disrupted, she said.
Pointing out that a large number of Kukis tried to cross into Kanto Sabal on July 2, 2026, Inaocha urged the Government and security agencies to ensure that no such provocations are repeated.