GUWAHATI: Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) Saturday night lifted the economic blockade that had been enforced since Dec 31 in Manipur. The blockade, which had halted vehicular movement, including that of trucks carrying essential commodities on NH-2 in Manipur, was withdrawn after CoTU announced that the total shutdown in Kangpokpi will be lifted from 2am on Sunday.
Besides lifting the blockade, CoTU also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to state govt to withdraw CAPF personnel stationed at Saibol, asserting that they were being “controlled from the valley”.
Saibol, in Kangpokpi, witnessed a violent confrontation between central security forces and Kuki women on Dec 31, resulting in more than 40 Kuki women being grievously injured. Local organisations said the women confronted the security personnel to safeguard their “community bunkers,” while the security forces claimed they had dismantled “illegal bunkers”. Issuing a statement Saturday, CoTU stated that imposition of an indefinite economic blockade and recurrent extension of 24-hour total shutdown within Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi, will be withdrawn with from Sunday. They said the decision was taken as per understanding with authorities concerned for deployment of 112 CRPF Battalion, particularly at Saibol, under Lhungtin subdivision.
However, while appreciating deployment of security personnel, CoTU emphasised that it will be compelled to resort to a more stringent mode of agitation, unless the remaining CAPF deployed from the valley is withdrawn from Saibol within 48 hours from the time of withdrawal of the blockade.
On Friday, Kangpokpi district SP and several policemen and civilians were injured, when a mob clashed with police during an attack at the SP office. The agitators were incensed over the deployment of Central forces at Saibol, alleging that the central forces were “controlled from valley (Imphal)” and targeting the Kuki-Zos. Manipur CM N Biren Singh, however, had clarified that the Central forces could proceed to any state across the country to provide protection.
