CoTU Lifts NH-2, NH-37 Blockade After Security Assurances, Warns Govt of Accountability for Any Future Lapses

In a significant development amid the protracted ethnic conflict in Manipur, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, on Monday announced the immediate withdrawal of its emergency blockade on National Highway-2 and National Highway-37 after securing assurances from government authorities regarding the safety and security of Kuki-Zo villages.

The decision follows an understanding reached between CoTU and the authorities, under which the Superintendent of Police (SP), Kangpokpi, reportedly undertook responsibility for the protection of Kuki-Zo inhabited areas across the district.

CoTU stated that the emergency blockade imposed along NH-2 and NH-37 from June 21 has been withdrawn with immediate effect following assurances and commitments made by the district police administration.

However, the committee made it clear that the withdrawal was conditional and based on specific terms and commitments relating to security responsibility, accountability for security lapses, uninterrupted movement of essential commodities, and justice for victims of violence.

Under the agreement, CoTU declared that the entire responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of Kuki-Zo villages and residents shall henceforth rest solely with the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi District, and the concerned central security forces. Consequently, village volunteers who had been deployed for defensive and security purposes in vulnerable areas would be withdrawn from such responsibilities.

Taking a firm stand on accountability, CoTU asserted that any future failure in maintaining security, including attacks, arson, loss of life, destruction of property, or any untoward incidents occurring in Kuki-Zo villages, would be the sole responsibility of the district police administration and the central security forces concerned.

The organisation further stated that the Superintendent of Police has agreed to ensure the safe and adequate transportation of essential commodities to all Kuki-Zo villages through appropriate security escort arrangements, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Leimakhong, Tuilang IT Road, Kangchup, Bungpi and other affected pockets of Kangpokpi district.

Reiterating its long-standing demand for justice, CoTU called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the killing of three Kuki-Zo pastors and eleven other innocent civilians, as well as individuals responsible for the burning and destruction of Kuki-Zo homes and villages.

"The offenders must be booked and proceeded against in accordance with the law of the land at the earliest," the committee stated.

Describing the withdrawal as a gesture made in good faith, CoTU said it was relying on the assurances provided by the concerned authorities. At the same time, it warned that it would closely monitor developments on the ground and reserved the right to launch appropriate democratic agitations should the commitments and assurances fail to materialise.

The withdrawal of the blockade brings temporary relief along two of Manipur's most crucial lifelines, but CoTU's statement underscores continuing concerns over security, accountability and justice in the conflict-hit hill district, while placing the government and security establishment under intense scrutiny for any future developments in Kuki-Zo areas.