CoTU Announces 3-Day Economic Blockade Over Nambol Ambush; Candlelight Vigil Held for Martyred Assam Rifles Jawans

The people of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, came together in solemn unity on Sunday evening to honor the brave soldiers of the 33 Assam Rifles who lost their lives in the deadly ambush at Nambol Sabal Leikai, Bishnupur District, on September 19.

A candlelight vigil was held at Kangpokpi District Headquarters under the theme, “The People of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District Stand United with Our Indian Soldiers — Proud to Be Indian”, organized under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU).

Participants lit candles, observed a minute of silence, and offered heartfelt tributes to the two jawans killed and solidarity to the five grievously injured soldiers.

The Nambol ambush, allegedly carried out by valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs), came barely a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur and just days before the anniversary of the Manipur Merger Agreement. Significantly, the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) had earlier announced a total shutdown on September 21 opposing the merger.

In the wake of the killings, CoTU announced a three-day economic blockade across Kangpokpi District, effective from the midnight of September 22 till the midnight of September 25 asa mark of solidarity and disappointment.

CoTU Spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen strongly criticized the failure of both the State and Central governments to apprehend the perpetrators even two days after the ambush.

“This is a matter of grave national security concern. The inaction of the authorities not only undermines constitutional validity under President’s Rule but also poses a direct threat to the Indian Union itself,” Kipgen said.

He further asserted that the incident underscores the dangers posed by the contentious Free Movement, rejected outright by the Kuki-Zo community.

“When even the Centre’s own forces are not spared by secessionist groups, what guarantee do the Kuki-Zo have for their safety?” he questioned.

Highlighting the peaceful stance of the Kuki-Zo people, Kipgen reminded that despite provocations, the community has upheld the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement, proving its commitment to peace. He reiterated CoTU’s demand for the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs to urgently expedite a solution to the long-pending demand for Separate Administration under Article 239A, stating it is the only path to lasting peace and stability in the region.

CoTU made it clear that the economic blockade is a compelled measure to register their displeasure over the brutal ambush, the delay in bringing culprits to justice, and the failure of the Governor to exercise constitutional authority under President’s Rule.

The ambush at Nambol, which claimed the lives of two Assam Rifles soldiers and left five critically injured, has shaken the state and reinforced the Kuki-Zo community’s call for urgent political resolution.