Manipur unrest: Blockade along NH-02 in Kangpokpi lifted

The KNO and UPF also appreciated the Centre's role in deployment of security forces in the vulnerable bordering and foot hill areas

In a significant development towards achieving peace in trouble torn Manipur, the indefinite blockade along Manipur’s lifeline, the National Highway-02 has been lifted after two months.

Presently under Suspension of Operations (SoO), the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) issued a press statement confirming the development.

Both the groups said that the decision has been taken in view of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s deep concern to restore peace and harmony in the state.

The statement further said that the decision was taken after wide ranging consultations with Civil Society Organisations, Village Chiefs, youth and women leaders on several occasions.

Earlier, a meeting was held between Kuki MLAs, Civil Society Bodies and representatives of the United People’s Front and Kuki National Organisation in Guwahati.

The lifting of the blockade will ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities in the state. Amid the blockade, the essentials were being brought to the state through the NH-37.

Besides, the KNO and the UPF also appreciated the Centre for deploying central forces in the vulnerable areas in the bordering as well as foot hill areas. Earlier, the Kuki Zo organisations had apprised the Union Home Minister about the situation and appealed for security.

The SoO groups further stated that their volunteers would be withdrawn from all the vulnerable areas once the deployment of Central forces is completed.

Both the KNO and UPF expects that authorities would take appropriate measures to maintain peace and ensure supply of essentials in the hill districts.

On June 9, the Committee on Tribals Unity Sadar Hills (COTU) reinstated a complete closure of National Highway 2 (NH-2) following the death of 3 persons in a firing incident at the Khoken village in the New Keithelmanbi area of Kangchup Geljang Sub Division after lifting the blockade for few days following the appeal from Home Minister Amit Shah.

On June 4, Home Minister Shah had appealed stakeholders to lift the blockade along the NH-02 so that food, medicines, fuel and other necessary items can reach the people.

Reciprocating to this, the Committee on Tribals Unity Sadar Hills (COTU) as a goodwill gesture on June 6 decided to lift the ban.

But things took an ugly turn on June 9 and the Committee on Tribals Unity Sadar Hills (COTU) reinstated a complete closure of National Highway 2 (NH-2). This was done following the death of 3 persons in a firing incident at the Khoken village in the New Keithelmanbi area of Kangchup Geljang Sub Division.

The NH-02 had been shut since the evening of May 3 when trouble erupted in the state.

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