Manipur's ethnic unrest triggers highway tensions amidst security measures
Manipur, the state government has opened up the highways from the valley region to the hill region deploying additional security forces on the highway, however the Kuki-Zo civil society groups have opposed the move.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), however, has decided to seal the entire Churachandpur district which would block the state government from posting more forces and opening the routes, citing concerns over possible disruption during the Christmas season.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) had been imposing economic blockades along the national highway which passes through Kangpokpi on and off.
Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) jointly announce closure of the road linking Churachandpur and Kanggui from 23rd December to 5th January, 2024 as a security measure.
The bodies stated, “As we have received intelligence input about an imminent threat from the Meitei, the public is advised to avoid traveling on the said road during this period.
The Manipur government has announced that it will resume operations on Imphal- Kangpokpi-Mao (Imphal-Mao highway) and Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur (Tiddim highway) with the deployment of additional security forces from Saturday.
A notice issued by chief secretary, Government of Manipur, Vineet Joshi stated that the move was taken for convenience of the people of the state who are reeling under the prevailing conflict.
