Imphal, June 5: A day after Union-Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the people of Manipur to lift the blockades at the Imphal-Dimapur, National Highway-2, now the group in violence-hit State have decided to temporarily suspend the month-long blockades that connects Imphal with Dimapur in Nagaland.

The highway also known as Trans-Asian Highway No 1, was opened on Monday after a month-long blockade since violence erupted on May 3 in the state.

According to spokesperson of the Committee on Tribals Unity (COTU) Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, Rev K Sitlhou said that the people of Kangpokpi have decided to clear and open the National Highway-2 temporarily for seven days.

He said the highway will be open from June 5 as a goodwill gesture to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Kangpokpi district on May 31 followed by his appeal.

He also said that only essential commodities such as medical supplies will be allowed to ply on the highway with the escort of the Central forces.

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Also, the movement of these commodities will be allowed from 10 am to 2 pm, he added.

Sitlhou added that this is done to support the “Peace Mission” of the Government of India to address the Kuki political issue.

He further said that if during the movement if any violence in the form of an attack, arson, etc. takes place on the Kuki people and villages during the suspension of the blockade, the committee will be compelled to relook into the matter.

Amit Shah on Sunday had appealed to the people to lift up the blockades at the National Highways.

My sincerest appeal to the people of Manipur is to lift the blockades at the Imphal-Dimapur, NH-2 Highway, so that food, medicines, Petrol/Diesel, and other necessary items can reach the people.

I also request that Civil Society Organisations do the needful in bringing…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 4, 2023

Earlier, Shah also visited the violence-hit state.

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