CoTU Withdraws Proposed Economic Blockade on AH1 Following Authorities’ Assurances

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Kanggui, has officially withdrawn its proposed three-day economic blockade on Asian Highway-1 (AH1/NH-2), which was scheduled to begin from midnight of September 22.

The blockade had been announced in protest against the deadly ambush on the 33 Assam Rifles at Nambol, Bishnupur district on September 19, which CoTU described as a grave security lapse demanding immediate action.

In a media release issued by the committee's Chairman Lunthang Haokip today, stated that the decision to suspend the agitation followed “constructive initiatives and assurances provided by the authorities” addressing its concerns. The committee noted the swift measures undertaken to restore normalcy and ensure accountability in the wake of the ambush.

The decision was taken at CoTU’s executive meeting earlier today after considering appeals from various civil society organisations, particularly in light of ongoing natural calamities affecting sections of AH1/NH-2. “Keeping in mind the latest developments regarding security in the state and appeals from the public, CoTU has decided to call off the proposed economic blockade with immediate effect in the larger interest of the people,” the statement read.

While withdrawing the agitation, CoTU extended gratitude to the public for their support and urged the government to continue taking proactive measures to prevent such attacks in the future.