The Joint Tribal Council Manipur (JTCM) has withdrawn its indefinite total shutdown along National Highway-37 and its ban on Central government projects following the release of five Naga women detained by security forces at Noney Bazaar on September 10.
The five women—Rose Kamei, Stella Thaimei, Khamsinliu Phaomei, Kumtharla Kamei and Ellen Kamei—were detained by a CRPF CoBRA team for allegedly blocking the road during the shutdown.
The detention had triggered an escalation in the JTCM’s agitation, with the council declaring a total shutdown along NH-37 and against Central government projects, citing the arrests and its broader demands for justice over the alleged killing and mutilation of six Naga civilians by Kuki armed militants and for updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Several vehicles were reportedly damaged during the blockade, with supporters allegedly pelting stones at vehicles attempting to pass through the road blockade.
In a statement issued today, the JTCM said the release of the five women had prompted it to call off the shutdown with immediate effect. The council thanked the Inpui, Liangmei, Rongmei and Zeme Naga communities for maintaining what it described as unity, discipline and perseverance during the agitation.
However, the withdrawal of the JTCM’s shutdown does not signal an end to the wider Naga blockade.
The council made it clear that the economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC) remains in force, arguing that the release of the five women does not address the broader issues raised by the Naga community.
The JTCM reiterated its demand for accountability over the alleged killing and mutilation of six Naga men and said the ongoing blockade was part of the collective demand for justice and accountability from the State and Central governments.
The council appealed to the public to remain calm and disciplined while extending cooperation to the UNC’s ongoing economic blockade.
