CoTU enforces shutdown amid economic blockade
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, January 02 2025: Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has declared total shutdown across Kangpokpi district to protest deployment of central forces at Saibol village.

CoTU is also enforcing indefinite economic blockade along National Highway-2 .

The shutdown, which began at 2 pm Thursday, brought the district to a standstill.

Businesses, markets, and offices remain closed, while vehicular movement along the highway was restricted to essential Services only.

Sub-divisional hubs and Kangpokpi district headquarters experienced a complete halt in routine activities as the shutdown was strictly enforced by CoTU volunteers stationed along the highway, from Kangpokpi district headquarters to Gamgiphai.

CoTU's intensification of protests underscores the growing resentment among the Kuki-Zo tribal communities over what they perceive as the government indifference.

The deployment of central forces at Saibol has been widely criticised for disrupting daily life and creating an atmosphere of mistrust.

"The presence of central forces in Saibol is unacceptable and an affront to the Kuki-Zo tribal populace's dignity.

Our peaceful pleas have been ignored, leaving us with no choice but to take stronger measures," said a protestor.

The combined effect of the economic blockade and the 12-hour shutdown has severely affected the region as businesses along NH-2, a critical trade route, remain closed, causing shortages of essential goods.

Warning the government, CoTU emphasised that the present measures are only the beginning of their agitation.

"If our demands are not met, we will have no choice but to further intensify our protests," said a CoTU leader.

The committee has demanded the immediate withdrawal of central forces deployed in Saibol.

"This is not just about Saibol; it is about the dignity, rights, and peace of the tribal community," CoTU stated.

CoTU appealed to the public to stand in solidarity with their cause, stressing that their fight represents the collective voice of a marginalised community.

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