Kangpokpi, Jan 3: The 24-hour shutdown was in full force along the National Highway-2 in all Kuki-Zo dominated areas in Manipur on Wednesday, even as the Kuki-tribal bodies demanded the Centre to remove Meitei police personnel of the Manipur Police, and valley-based surrendered insurgent groups from all the Kuki-Zo dominated areas.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, which is spearheading the stir in Kangpokpi district, has also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reimpose the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in all the valley districts.

The shutdown, enforced by CoTU Sadar Hills and ITLF Churachandpur, began at midnight on Wednesday. They are protesting against alleged atrocities by Meitei personnel of state police in Kuki-Zo districts and demanded their withdrawal.

Volunteers had placed stones and empty coal tar tins on the Imphal-Dimapur road, the state’s main lifeline, causing a blockade. Vehicles were halted at Kangpokpi town, with volunteers redirecting them.

The two prominent Kuki-Zo tribal bodies insist on the removal of Meitei state forces, especially commandos, from Moreh and surrounding tribal settlements, asserting that peace is unattainable as long as they are deployed. It warned that if Meitei forces are allowed to continue operating and harassing the Kuki-Zo tribals, the Government will be held responsible for any future security issues.

Joining them, the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KISH) also vehemently condemned the alleged unabated attacks on the Kuki-Zo civilians by the combined forces of Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, and Manipur Police Commandos and demanded their removal from Moreh.

All shops and business establishments in Kangpokpi town remained closed for the day while the otherwise busy National Highway-2 wore a deserted look as vehicular movement along the Highway was strongly restricted. However, no untoward incident had been reported till the filing of this report.

CoTU’s Information & Publicity Secretary, Thangtinlen Haokip, stated that the shutdown reflects condemnation of Manipur police and Meitei terrorists in Moreh against innocent civilians. He demanded the immediate removal of Meitei police personnel from Kuki-Zo areas, citing recent incidents of abduction, assault, and arson. He recalled that in the last four days alone, three innocent civilians were kidnapped and severely assaulted, while three houses were torched in Tengnoupal’s Moreh areas.

Haokip also urged the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the issue promptly. He warned of intensified agitation by CoTU if demands are unmet, placing responsibility on the state government for any ensuing incidents.

CoTU also condemned the dismantling of bunkers and properties used by the Kuki-Zo volunteers at the Purum-Gangpijang Hill range of the Saikul subdivision in Kangpokpi district on December 30, 2023. Haokip said such actions are detrimental for their survival as it poses a serious threat to their safety and security. “Any further attempt to dismantle the bunkers will not be tolerated,” he warned.

He also appealed to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to immediately reimpose the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the entire Valley District for the Indian army to tackle the situation.

Also Read: Manipur CM reaffirms commitment to stability, visits injured security personnel after Moreh attack

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