CoTU Lifts Manipur Highway Blockade After Police Security Pledges

Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity pulled the plug on its emergency blockade of National Highway-2 and National Highway-37. The move comes after officials promised to secure Kuki-Zo villages across the Kangpokpi district. The blockade ended Monday following high-stakes negotiations with local authorities.

Violence flared shortly before the agreement. Security forces clashed with protesters in New Keithelmanbi, leaving three people with critical injuries after CRPF personnel deployed tear gas and mock bombs to break the picket line. Officers then cleared the route for heavy trucks to move between Imphal and Silchar.

CoTU says the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police now holds the bag for any future security failures. Village volunteers will step back from guard duties, shifting the burden entirely to police and central forces. "The responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of Kuki-Zo villages and residents in Kangpokpi district would now rest solely with the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi," the group stated.

The authorities promised safe passage for food and fuel to vulnerable zones like Leimakhong and Bungpi. Despite the truce, the group remains focused on long-standing grievances. They are demanding the immediate arrest of suspects tied to the deaths of three pastors and eleven other civilians. They also want accountability for burned homes and ruined villages.

The group insists it acted in good faith but keeps its options open. They will watch the situation closely and may restart protests if the government breaks its word.