CoTU Demands Manipur Highway Reopening With 48-Hour Ultimatum

Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) set a 48-hour deadline for the Central and Manipur governments to clear highways in Kangpokpi. Tribal leaders met Saturday to finalize the demand. They want all unauthorized checkpoints gone now.

Roads have been blocked for over a month. Kacha Naga groups reportedly set up these checkpoints. The blockade stopped trucks carrying food, medicine, and fuel. Local businesses are bleeding cash. Residents cannot reach basic services because the routes are shut down.

CoTU officials say they have pleaded for help for weeks. The state and central governments did nothing. The group warned that if the roads stay closed, they will act. They promised to launch "appropriate and pre-emptive democratic measures" to defend the Kuki-Zo community.

The group placed the blame for any future unrest directly on the state. They claim the government failed its duty to keep travel safe. Leaders are pushing for immediate intervention to stop tensions from boiling over into a larger crisis.