Amid disruptions caused by a two-day shutdown enforced by Kuki civil society organisations, security forces today escorted more than 450 trucks carrying essential commodities along National Highway-37 (NH-37) to ensure uninterrupted supply to the state.
Official sources said over 450 trucks, including 73 Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) tankers and 33 LPG carriers, were escorted from Keithelmanbi to Khongsang and Jiribam by three companies of the CRPF.
Vehicular movement along the highways had been severely affected following the shutdown called by Kuki civil society organisations in protest against ongoing security operations in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. Women protesters and volunteers blocked key stretches of National Highway-2 (NH-2) across Kangpokpi district for the second consecutive day, restricting the movement of vehicles along the crucial Imphal-Dimapur route.
Large numbers of protesters occupied sections of the highway at Kangpokpi, Motbung, Saparmeina, Gamgiphai and other areas, while markets, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in several Kuki-dominated localities. Only ambulances, medical emergencies and humanitarian relief vehicles were exempted from the bandh.
The agitation, supported by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), was launched against what the organisations described as “selective and partisan” security operations targeting Kuki-Zo villages and village volunteers. The groups also demanded equal security protection, accountability for alleged security lapses, and a transparent investigation into recent incidents of violence.
However, the situation eased later in the day after CoTU announced the immediate withdrawal of its blockade on NH-2 and NH-37 following discussions with government authorities and assurances provided by the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi.
In a statement, CoTU said the withdrawal was based on an understanding that the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi, would assume full responsibility for the safety and security of Kuki-Zo villages and residents in the district. The organisation stated that village volunteers deployed for security purposes would accordingly be withdrawn from such duties.
CoTU further said the district police had agreed to facilitate the safe transportation of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo villages in vulnerable areas, including Leimakhong, Tuilang IT Road, Kangchup and Bungpi.
The organisation also reiterated its demand for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of three pastors and twelve other civilians, as well as for incidents involving the burning and destruction of Kuki-Zo homes and villages.
While withdrawing the blockade, CoTU stated that it would continue to monitor the situation and reserved the right to launch further democratic agitations if the assurances provided by the authorities were not implemented.