CoTU withdraws blockade, mobs confront SFs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 22 2026: Unruly mobs confronted security forces resulting in a tense stand-off between the two sides at New Keithelmanbi along Imphal-Jiribam highway today before the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) withdrew its emergency highway shutdown.

CoTU and other Kuki CSOs called the emergency highway shutdown from June 21 afternoon in protest against security operations in Kuki areas, particularly Leimakhong-Kangchup area.

As security forces carried out search operations in the adjoining areas of Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei areas, suspected Kuki militants fired upon the security personnel from Leilon Vaiphei on Sunday.

Following the attack, security forces intensified search operations to nab those who were behind the attack.

As the search operations intensified, CoTU and other Kuki CSOs called the emergency highway shutdown in protest.

Responding to the emergency shutdown call, unruly mobs gathered along Imphal-Dimapur highway and Imphal-Jiribam highway today and blocked traffic movement by burning tyres and placing other hard objects in the middle of the National Highways.

In the meantime, many Kuki leaders, with an apparent intention to provoke the mobs, circulated a propaganda that some Kuki militant leaders had been arrested by security forces along with arms and ammunition.

This propaganda had immediate impact as the unruly mobs immediately started confronting the security personnel who were deployed along the highways to prevent any kind of untoward incidents.

The unruly mobs soon turned violent and started attacking security personnel at New Keithelmanbi along Imphal-Jiribam highway.

The mobs pelted stones and hurled other projectiles toward the security personnel.

In response, security personnel fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the unruly mobs.

Reports say that three persons from the unruly mob sustained minor injuries in the security forces' action.

Later security forces managed to drive away the mobs and brought the situation under control.

As the situation remains tense though under control, additional security forces have rushed to the spot to prevent any further unwanted incidents.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by CoTU said that the emergency blockade imposed along NH-2 and NH-37 since Sunday has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

CoTU said that the emergency blockade has been withdrawn following an understanding reached with Government authorities.

As per the understanding reached with the Government authorities, the entire responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of Kuki and Zo villages, and inhabitants within Kangpokpi district shall rest solely with the SP, Kangpokpi police.

Consequently, village volunteers deployed for security purposes in the concerned areas shall stand withdrawn from such responsibilities.

Any failure in maintaining security or security lapses, attacks, arson, loss of life, destruction of property or any untoward incident arising in Kuki and Zo villages shall be the sole responsibility of the SP, Kangpokpi and the concerned Central security forces, CoTU said.

According to CoTU, the SP Kangpokpi has agreed to ensure the safe and adequate transportation of essential commodities to all Kuki and Zo villages through adequate security escort arrangements, particularly in Leimakhong area.

Tuilang IT Road area, Kangchup area, Bungpi area and other affected areas within Kangpokpi district.

The committee has also reiterated its demand for the timely arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the heinous killing of three Pastors and 12 other innocent persons as well as those responsible for the burning and destruction of Kuki-Zo homes and villages.

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