Manipur Tribal Bloc Lifts NH2 Blockade, Issues ‘Ultimatum’

Imphal: The economic blockade that had been in place since December 31 was lifted by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU)in Manipur.

The blockage, which had prevented trucks transporting necessities on Manipur's NH-2 from moving, was lifted when the CoTU declared that the complete shutdown in the Kangpokpi area would end at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Since it links Manipur to the rest of the nation, NH-2 via Nagaland is considered to be the state's the lifeline. In addition to lifting the blockade, CoTU issued the state government a 48-hour ultimatum to withdraw the CAPF personnel who were stationed at Saibol, alleging that they were being "controlled from the valley."

On the morning of December 31, about 40 Kuki women were critically injured in a violent altercation between the central security forces and Kuki women in Saibol, Kangpokpi district. The security forces claimed that they had dismantled "illegal bunkers," but local organisations alleged the women fought the officers to protect their "community bunkers."

CoTU informed the public in a statement on Saturday that the ongoing 24-hour complete shutdown in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi, and the imposition of an extended economic blockade along NH-2 would be lifted starting at 2 am on Sunday.

They said that the decision to deploy the 112 CRPF Battalion, specifically at Saibol, under the Lhungtin subdivision, was made in accordance with the agreement made with the relevant authorities.

CoTU highlighted that unless the remaining CAPF personnel from the valley are withdrawn from Saibol within 48 hours of the blockade being lifted, it will be forced to use a more forceful form of agitation.

A mob clashed with police during an attack at the Kangpokpi district SP office on Friday, injuring the SP as well as a number of police officers and civilians.

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