UNC–KIM Peace Initiative in Focus as CoTU Curtails Shutdown, NPO Imposes Counter Bandh

In a significant and responsibility-driven decision aimed at preserving peace and fostering inter-tribal harmony, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) on Wednesday announced the suspension of the 24-hour total shutdown imposed along Asian Highway-2 (Imphal–Dimapur) and National Highway-37 (Imphal–Jiribam).

The shutdown, which commenced at midnight on January 27, was enforced in protest against the State Government’s continued failure to apprehend the perpetrators—identified as the ZUF-S (Kamson) group—who allegedly torched K. Songlung Village, Part-II on Republic Day, a grave act that sparked widespread outrage across the region.

CoTU expressed deep appreciation to the general public, church leaders, and civil society organisations for their unwavering support and solidarity during the shutdown. The Committee stated that after threadbare deliberations within its leadership and consultations with key stakeholders, it resolved to reconsider and suspend the agitation in the larger interest of peace and stability.

Crucially, CoTU said the decision was taken after careful consideration of the Joint Declaration issued by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) at Kangpokpi on January 27, which called for amicable dialogue and constructive engagement between the communities.

Upholding the resolution adopted by the two apex tribal bodies, CoTU unanimously resolved to stand by the UNC–KIM peace initiative, describing it as a vital step towards strengthening cordial relations and preventing further escalation between the two tribal communities.

“In recognition of the peace process initiated by UNC and KIM, the Committee has decided to suspend the 24-hour total shutdown with immediate effect,” the committee stated.

The shutdown, earlier scheduled to continue until midnight of January 28, was accordingly withdrawn with immediate effect.

CoTU reaffirmed that while its protest was a reflection of public anguish over the Republic Day arson attack, its decision to suspend the shutdown underscores its commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible leadership, while continuing to demand justice and accountability for the K. Songlung incident.

Earlier in the day, a large number of women-led volunteers were seen enforcing the CoTU-imposed total shutdown at Kangpokpi town and Gamgiphai.

The shutdown resulted in the complete restriction of movement of commercial, private, and passenger vehicles, while volunteers were also observed closely monitoring the movement of emergency services.

All business establishments, private institutions, educational institutions, and other establishments remained completely closed for the day. Community members were also restricted from engaging in farming and other routine activities during the shutdown.

Later in the afternoon, shortly before CoTU announced the withdrawal of the total shutdown, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) imposed a counter bandh, alleging that the CoTU shutdown had caused serious inconvenience and hardship to Naga commuters.