The Committee of Tribal Unity (COTU) on Monday resumed blockades at some places on NH-2 in Kangpokpi district and NH-37 in Tamenglong district, demanding uninterrupted and adequate supply of food grains, essential commodities and medicines to the Kuki-dominated hill areas. Was given
मणिपुरः राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग पर आदिवासियों की नाकाबंदी जारी, जनजातीय क्षेत्रों में आपूर्ति प्रभावित
After the violence in Manipur, the atmosphere of deadlock continues. The blockade by tribal groups on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) continued for the second day on Tuesday, accusing the rival groups of obstructing the supply of essential commodities to the tribal area. However, security forces provided security cover to facilitate vehicular movement on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).
A police official in Imphal confirmed that movement of vehicles with essential commodities has been ensured on NH-37. “Strict security measures have been put in place at all sensitive places and security convoys have been provided at sensitive stretches to ensure free and safe movement of vehicles,” the official said.
The blockade on NH-2 has affected the supply of essential commodities and food grains in many parts of the tribal-dominated areas. NH-37 is also blocked at some parts, partially affecting vehicular movement.
The Committee of Tribal Unity (COTU) on Monday resumed blockades at some places on NH-2 in Kangpokpi district and NH-37 in Tamenglong district, demanding uninterrupted and adequate supply of food grains, essential commodities and medicines to the Kuki-dominated hill areas. Was given In Kangpokpi district, a large number of men and women stopped the movement of goods vehicles while enforcing the blockade, officials said.
COTU General Secretary Laminlun Singsit said that we had earlier given an ultimatum that we will block both NH-2 and NH-37 from August 21 if uninterrupted and adequate supply of food grains, essential commodities and life-saving medicines is not ensured . Another tribal organization, the Kuki Zo Defense Force, also announced that it would join the highway blockade if essential items were not supplied to the Kuki Zo populated areas.
NH-2 is considered the surface lifeline of Manipur. The blockade had been in place for nearly two months after caste violence broke out in the state on May 3. With the intervention of the central government, the blockade was withdrawn last month. NH-2 and NH-37 are two important national highways of Manipur maintaining surface communication with the rest of the country through Nagaland and Assam.