Manipur unrest: CoTU announces 72-hr NH-2 shutdown effective midnight tonight

The decision to close the lifeline of Manipur was taken to protest 2 back to back incidents of arson yesterday and today

The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has announced closure of National Highway 02 that connects Manipur with Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram, for 72 hours from midnight tonight.

The decision to close the Highway known as the lifeline of the state for 3 days was taken at an emergency meeting of the CoTU and Civil Society Organisations (CSO)s today to protest two back to back incidents of arson that happened yesterday and today morning in Manipur.

The pressure groups vehemently condemned the incidents of 3 trucks carrying gas cylinders set ablaze at Sekmai in Imphal West yesterday and torching of Thangbuh village in Kangpokpi district this morning.

On July 2, the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) presently under Suspension of Operations (SoO) had lifted the shutdown along NH-02. The highway was shut since May 3 when violence began in the state.
In a statement both the groups mentioned that the decision was taken in view of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s deep concern to restore peace and harmony in the state.
However reports had stated that the COTU had not officially withdrawn the agitation after the UPF and KNO announced for lifting of the blockade.
The blockade will once again interrupt supply of essential commodities to the state.

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