Violence in Manipur: Kuki body removes NH-2 blockage for 7 days at Amit Shah’s request

Amit Shah, the union home minister, tweeted on Sunday, “My sincerest appeal to the people of Manipur is to lift the blockades at the Imphal-Dimapur, NH2 highway, so that food, medicines, petrol/diesel, and other necessary items can reach the people.Read AlsoLift blockades on NH-2 in Manipur. Together only we can restore normalcy in this beautiful state.”The COTU has, however, opened the highway only for seven days and with a few riders.It said the movement of trucks along the route, considered as the state’s lifeline, will be allowed from 10 am to 2 pm and only central forces will be allowed to escort the vehicles.Kuki protesters in Kangpokpi district through which the highway passes have been blocking the route since the violent ethnic feuds broke out in Manipur on May 3. Various vehicles were also torched by protesters in the district. The government was supplying essential commodities through NH37 (Imphal-Silchar), which is an alternative route, under heavy security so far.In a statement, COTU said “as a good gesture to the Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji’s visit to Kangpokpi district, the blockade on national highway has been temporarily suspended for a period of seven days starting from June 5, 2023.””However, only vehicles carrying essential commodities and medical supplies will be allowed to ply on the highway with the escort of the central forces. The committee’s “department of information and publicity” issued the statement. “This is done wholly in support of the “peace mission” of the Center to address the “Kuki political issue,” it said, adding that “if attacks are carried out on Kuki villages by armed Meiteis during the suspension, the committee will be compelled to relook into the matter.” Decision taken on Sunday: COTU