NH-2 to be open as goodwill gesture : COTU
Riders put on movement of vehicles
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, June 04 2023:
The important National Highway-2, also known as the Trans-Asian Highway No 1, will be opened from June 5 after a month-long blockade since the wide-scale violence erupted on May 3 .
National Highway 2, the lifeline of Manipur, passes through violence hit Kang-pokpi district and connects Imphal with the rest of the world.
Though no organizations had officially declared a blockade along the National Highway-2, it wore a deserted look ever since the wide-scale violence erupted in the State, as vehicles, mainly, essential commodities carriers had been off the road.
During the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah's visit to the violent hit district, he appealed to the people for smooth traffic flow along the highway.
The Committee on Tribals Unity (COTU) Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district had a wide consultation with various civil society organizations, including village chiefs, youth leaders, women's forum, and other promi- nent Kuki leaders over the Union Home Minister's appeal and also several other issues.
According to spokesperson of the COTU Sadar Hills, Rev K Sitlhou, the people of Kangpokpi have decided to clear and open the National Highway-2 temporarily for seven days, starting from June 5 as a goodwill gesture to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Kangpokpi district on May 31 followed by his earnest appeal.
He, however, said that only essential commodities and medical supplies will be allowed to ply on the highway with the escort of the Central forces.
The timing for the movement of essential commo- dities carriers shall be limited between 10 am to 2 pm, he added.
"This is done wholly in support of the "Peace Mission" of the Government of India to address the Kuki political issue," Sitlhou asserted.
He then said that if there is any violence in the form of an attack, arson, etc on the Kuki people and villages during the suspension of the blockade, the committee will be compelled to relook into the matter.