Shutdown ends, blockade continues
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, November 22 2023:
The 48-hour total shutdown in Kangpokpi district imposed by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), , Sadar Hills ended today at 6 pm but economic blockade along NH-2 and NH-37 is still underway.
CoTU imposed the 48-hour emergency total shutdown following the killing of two Kuki people including an IRB personnel on November 20 .
The second day of CoTU's shutdown witnessed shops, schools being closed while vehicles remained off the road along NH-2, the lifeline of Manipur.
Volunteers were seen at various locations enforcing the shutdown.
However, there was no report of any untoward incident.
Vehicular movement began after 6 pm along National Highway 2 .
CoTU also organized a protest at Leikop along National Highway 2 today drawing the attention of the Central Government with five demands, which they said are to be addressed within five days by the Union Home Ministry.
The protesters also conveyed their discontentment against the killing of two Kukis.
The protesters, mostly womenfolk, chanted slogans such as, "We demand CBI inquiry", "We want justice", "We demand Separate Administration", etc.
Speaking to the media, CoTU's media cell coordinator NG Lun Kipgen claimed that the videos and images of a group of people celebrating with a feast after the ambush of November 20 are available in the public domain.
"Our trust in the law and upon the Central Government is waning day by day", he asserted.
He further said that the Union Government must think beyond electoral politics and look into the sentiments of the minorities.
He then urged the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to take up the cases of the Kuki-Zo and refrain from giving them a step motherly treatment.
He said that the Union Home Ministry must address the non-reciprocity on essential items and medical supplies from the valley to Kuki areas, resettlement of displaced Meiteis in Kuki areas and the non-response to their demands for political separation.