Blockade on NH-2 and NH-37 withdrawn following assurances from Kangpokpi police; decision comes after clashes left three supporters critically injured
Imphal: Traffic along two of Manipur’s most crucial lifelines is expected to return to normal after the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) withdrew its indefinite blockade on National Highway-2 and National Highway-37 following assurances from government authorities.
Announcing the decision on Monday, CoTU said it was lifting the agitation “in good faith” after discussions with the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi district, regarding security concerns in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
The withdrawal comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Kangpokpi district. Earlier, a confrontation erupted at New Keithelmanbi along NH-37 when security personnel moved to clear demonstrators enforcing the highway shutdown.
According to local organisations, crowd-control measures, including tear gas, smoke bombs and reported blank firing, triggered unrest among protesters. The Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills (KISW-SH) alleged that three demonstrators suffered critical injuries during the clash.
The blockade, which entered its second day on Monday, was called by Kuki civil society groups protesting what they described as selective security operations in Kuki-Zo dominated villages. Protesters had demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing operations and greater accountability from authorities.
Following the lifting of the blockade, security forces cleared the highways, enabling the movement of essential commodities and commercial vehicles between Imphal and Silchar via Jiribam.
However, CoTU reiterated its demand for justice in cases involving the killing of three pastors and 11 Kuki-Zo civilians, while warning that it could resume democratic protests if the assurances provided by authorities are not implemented.
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