CoTU has withdrawn its emergency blockade on NH-2 and NH-37 after assurances from authorities regarding security, essential supplies and law enforcement in Kangpokpi.
Kangpokpi, June 22: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) on Monday announced the immediate withdrawal of the emergency blockade imposed along National Highway-2 and National Highway-37, following an understanding reached with government authorities and assurances provided by the Superintendent of Police (SP), Kangpokpi District.
The blockade had been enforced from June 21, 2026. In a statement issued by its Media Cell, CoTU said the decision to lift the blockade was taken in pursuance of discussions held with the authorities and on the assurance and responsibility undertaken by the district police chief.
According to the statement, the withdrawal is subject to a series of conditions agreed upon between the parties.
Foremost among them is the responsibility for the security of Kuki-Zo villages and residents in Kangpokpi district. CoTU stated that the entire responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of Kuki-Zo villages and inhabitants would rest solely with the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi District.
In view of this assurance, the organisation said Village Volunteers who had been deployed for security purposes in the concerned areas would be withdrawn from such responsibilities.
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CoTU further stated that any future security lapse, attack, arson, loss of life, destruction of property or any other untoward incident occurring in Kuki-Zo villages would be the responsibility of the Superintendent of Police and the concerned central security forces.
The organisation also said the SP had agreed to ensure the safe transportation of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo villages through adequate security escort arrangements. Areas specifically mentioned in the statement include Leimakhong, Tuilang IT Road, Kangchup, Bungpi and other affected locations within Kangpokpi district.
The issue of access to essential supplies has remained a matter of concern in several hill areas affected by the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Reiterating its long-standing demand for justice, CoTU called for the timely arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved in the killing of three pastors and 12 other persons, as well as individuals responsible for the burning and destruction of Kuki-Zo homes and villages.
The organisation stated that all those responsible should be booked and proceeded against in accordance with the law at the earliest.
CoTU said the decision to withdraw the blockade had been taken in good faith based on the assurances provided by the concerned authorities. However, it maintained that it would continue to closely monitor developments on the ground.
The organisation also reserved the right to undertake appropriate democratic measures in the future should the commitments and assurances made by the authorities fail to materialise.
The withdrawal of the blockade is expected to facilitate the movement of vehicles and the transportation of goods along the two key national highways, which serve as important lifelines connecting different parts of Manipur with neighbouring states. The statement said the decision was taken in the interest of public safety and peace.
