Protests erupt over Leimakhong roadblock; CoTU warns of escalation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, November 30 2024: Kangpokpi district witnessed a total shutdown and mass protests on Saturday, organised by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) against the Army's alleged "unwarranted road restrictions" at Leimakhong.

The 12-hour bandh, from 4 am to 4 pm, paralysed daily life, leaving National Highway 2 deserted and businesses closed.

The protests followed road closures imposed by the Army after the abduction of an MES employee from Leimakhong cantonment - a move CoTU criticised as regrettable and unjustified".

While supporting search operations for the abducted individual, CoTU condemned the restrictions as excessive and harmful to the public.

Women and youth volunteers enforced the bandh at Kangpokpi, Keithelmanbi, and Gamgiphai, while protests erupted in Saikul, Kangchup, and Twilang region.

Protesters carried banners like "We Demand Our Lifeline Back" and "We Want Justice," demanding the immediate removal of the roadblocks.

CoTU spokesperson Ng Lun Kipgen, addressing the protest, called the blockade a direct attack on the Kuki-Zo community's lifeline.

"This road is not just a path; it's our lifeline.

Blocking it has brought hardship to a community already struggling.

This road, built by our own hands, should not be dragged into political disputes," Kipgen said.

He questioned the Army's neutrality, accusing it of aligning with the Meetei community's narrative.

"The Army, once trusted as a neutral force, has failed us.

Their actions now seem to support a divisive agenda, further alienating the Kuki-Zo people," he said.

Kipgen pointed out that, despite the Kuki-Zo community never blocking vehicles to Imphal, their own route to Churachandpur remains restricted.

"This is unjust, and it must stop immediately," he asserted.

Kipgen called on union defence minister Rajnath Singh to intervene and lift the restrictions, warning that the blockade deepens the crisis.

He also appealed to union home minister Amit Shah to shift law and order control to the defence ministry, citing the state government's failure to maintain neutrality.

Concluding his statement, Kipgen emphasised, "The Leimakhong road blockade is more than just a road issue - it's a matter of survival and dignity," and signalled that the Kuki-Zo community will not relent until the restrictions are lifted.

Despite the peaceful end to the day's protests, CoTU has vowed to escalate their agitation if the restrictions are not removed promptly.

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