CoTU calls indefinite economic blockade along NH-2
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, December 31 2024: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) declared an indefinite economic blockade along National Highway 2 (NH-2) after its deadline to withdraw central forces from Saibol area in Kangpokpi district evoked no positive response from authorities concerned.

At 4 pm Tuesday, the economic blockade took effect, halting all commercial traffic on NH-2 road, a key route for transporting goods, medical supplies and essentials across the region.

CoTU's ultimatum, issued earlier in the day, was to withdraw central forces from Saibol village.

However, as the clock ticked past the deadline with no government action, CoTU imposed economic blockade along NH-2 road.

Earlier, Kuki-Zo women held protest demanding removal of central forces from Saibol.

However, security forces reportedly used tear gas shells and physical force to disperse the protestors, leaving more than 50 women injured including three of them critically.

The protestors alleged that security forces used tear gas shells indiscriminately to disperse the unarmed women.

Protesters described the scene as one of panic and distress, with women coughing and struggling to breathe as tear gas filled the air.

The indefinite blockade is seen as a direct response to government's failure to heed CoTU's demand for accountability and justice.

The highway's closure is not just a logistical move but a powerful statement against the violation of human rights and the oppression faced by the Kuki-Zo community.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson of CoTU has made it clear that the blockade will remain in place until their demands are met.

"We are prepared to endure hardship for justice and this is not just about removing forces from Saibol but for dignity and rights of Kuki-Zo people.

If the government continues to ignore our demands, the consequences will be even more severe," the spokesperson warned.

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